Maryland Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law is an important provision that addresses the rights of minority stockholders in the context of corporate mergers or consolidations. This statute focuses specifically on appraisal rights available to dissenting shareholders who are against a proposed corporate action. Under Maryland Section 262, dissenting shareholders have the option to seek a judicial appraisal of the fair value of their shares, which allows them to potentially receive compensation beyond the price offered by the acquiring company. This provision aims to protect minority stockholders from being forced to sell their shares at an unfair price. In the event of a merger or consolidation, a dissenting shareholder may deliver a written demand for appraisal to the corporation prior to the vote on the proposed action. This triggers a legal process where the corporation must then notify the dissenting shareholder, who is usually entitled to a specific timeframe within which they must provide additional information regarding their stock ownership. The statute also outlines the requirements for filing a petition for appraisal in the Court of Chancery, which has jurisdiction over these matters. Such a petition must include detailed information about the dissenting shareholder's shares and must be filed within a prescribed timeframe, typically within 120 days after the effective date of the merger or consolidation. Maryland Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ensures that minority shareholders receive a fair price for their shares in situations where they disagree with a proposed corporate action. This provision plays a crucial role in preserving the rights of minority stockholders and promoting corporate governance transparency. Different types of Maryland Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may include variations or amendments specific to particular contexts or industries. For example, there might be additional provisions related to the appraisal rights of shareholders in certain industries such as banking or healthcare, or modifications that apply specifically to publicly traded corporations. These variations could address unique considerations or regulatory requirements relevant to those industries, but the core objective of protecting dissenting shareholders' rights remains consistent throughout.