Article 13 of the Virginia Code is known as the Dissenters' Rights statute. This legislation is aimed at protecting the rights and interests of shareholders who dissent from certain corporate actions. Dissenters' Rights statutes are common in many states and provide shareholders with mechanisms to assert their dissenting rights and obtain fair financial compensation. Under Virginia's Article 13 — Dissenters' Rights, shareholders who oppose certain fundamental changes within a corporation have the right to object and demand appraisal of their shares' fair value. These fundamental changes may include mergers, consolidations, share exchanges, share conversions, and sales or transfers of all or substantially all of a corporation's assets. The goal of Virginia's Dissenters' Rights is to ensure that minority shareholders are not unfairly disadvantaged by corporate actions approved by the majority. By exercising their dissenting rights, shareholders can pursue a fair and just monetary value for their shares, rather than being forced into accepting an unfavorable deal. There are different types of Dissenters' Rights under Virginia Article 13, including: 1. Right to Dissent: This provision gives shareholders the right to dissent from specific corporate actions. Shareholders can object to a proposed transaction and initiate appraisal proceedings to determine the fair value of their shares. 2. Appraisal Rights: Shareholders who exercise their dissenting rights are entitled to receive payment for the fair value of their shares. Appraisal rights allow dissenting shareholders to receive a fair financial settlement instead of being forced to accept the terms of the proposed corporate action. 3. Procedure for Dissent: Virginia's statute lays out the detailed procedures that shareholders must follow to assert their dissenting rights. These procedures include providing written notice of dissent, filing a petition to initiate appraisal proceedings, and presenting evidence of the fair value of their shares. 4. Role of the Court: In cases where shareholders and the corporation cannot agree on the fair value of the shares, the court plays a vital role in determining the appropriate monetary award. The court may appoint appraisers, hold hearings, and consider expert testimony to determine the fair value of the shares. Virginia's Article 13 provides an important safeguard for dissenting shareholders, ensuring that their rights are protected and their financial interests are taken into consideration during significant corporate actions. By offering an avenue for fair compensation, the law serves to balance the power dynamics between majority and minority shareholders and promotes transparency and fairness in corporate decision-making. In summary, Virginia's Article 13 — Dissenters' Rights grants minority shareholders the ability to dissent from specified corporate actions, request an appraisal to determine the fair value of their shares, and protect their financial interests when fundamental changes occur within a corporation. This legislation aims to maintain equilibrium among shareholders and foster a fair and equitable corporate environment in Virginia.