Maryland Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to Eliminate Par Value When a company is looking to amend its articles of incorporation in Maryland to eliminate the par value of its shares, it is required to follow a specific procedure outlined by the state's laws. This type of amendment is commonly undertaken to provide more flexibility to the company's management and shareholders by removing the minimum assigned value to the company's stock. The Maryland Code provides detailed guidelines on how to carry out the amendment process. The specific sections related to eliminating par value can be found in Title 2, Subtitle 4 of the Maryland Corporations and Associations Article. It is important for companies to thoroughly understand the specific requirements and steps involved to ensure compliance with the law. The amendment process begins with a resolution passed by the company's board of directors, stating the intention to eliminate par value. This resolution should clearly articulate the reasons behind the amendment and how the company's interests will benefit from this change. Once the board approves the resolution, it is necessary to notify the shareholders about the proposed amendment, usually in the form of a notice or proxy statement. A special meeting is usually convened where shareholders have the opportunity to vote on the amendment to eliminate par value. The company must provide adequate notice of the meeting and include all relevant information and documents for shareholders to make informed decisions. The amendment must be approved by a majority of the shareholders or by a different percentage as specified in the company's articles of incorporation. After obtaining shareholder approval, the next step is to file the amendment with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. This filing typically includes a cover sheet, the amended articles of incorporation (including the elimination of par value), and the appropriate filing fee. The department reviews the filing for compliance and, upon approval, issues a Certificate of Amendment, which serves as proof of the amendment. It is crucial to keep in mind that amendments to the articles of incorporation to eliminate par value in Maryland may have certain variations based on the company's specific circumstances. For instance, a company may choose to eliminate par value for all types of shares or just for a specific class or series. The amendment should clearly specify the affected shares and any corresponding changes to the rights and privileges associated with these shares. Additionally, if a company has cumulative voting rights, it should consider the potential impact of eliminating par value on these voting rights. Shareholders should be provided with relevant information regarding the consequences and implications of the amendment. In conclusion, the Maryland Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to eliminate par value is an important mechanism for companies to increase flexibility and adapt to changing market conditions. By following the prescribed procedure and adhering to the legal requirements, companies can successfully carry out this amendment and ensure compliance with Maryland state laws.