Allegheny Pennsylvania Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, also known as the Appraisal Right or the Dissenters' Right, is a critical provision that grants shareholders the ability to seek fair value for their shares in certain circumstances. This provision mainly focuses on protecting shareholders' interests in cases of mergers, consolidations, or other qualified transactions involving Delaware corporations. Under Section 262, if a shareholder believes that the proposed transaction undervalues their stock, they have the right to dissent from the transaction and demand appraisal of their shares. This means the shareholder can choose to refuse the terms of the proposed transaction and instead receive the fair value of their shares as determined by the court. There are several key elements and requirements to be aware of when invoking Allegheny Pennsylvania Section 262: 1. Shareholder Eligibility: Only shareholders who have continuously held their shares through the effective date of the transaction and have complied with all procedural requirements are eligible to seek appraisal rights. 2. Timely Notice of Intent: Shareholders interested in exercising their appraisal rights must provide timely written notice of their intent to demand appraisal. The notice should be sent before the vote on the proposed transaction, stating the number of shares owned and the shareholder's demand for appraisal. 3. Abstaining or Voting Against the Proposal: Shareholders who wish to exercise their appraisal rights must either abstain from voting on the transaction or vote against it during the shareholder meeting. This action allows them to dissent from the transaction and pursue an appraisal. 4. Commencing Appraisal Proceedings: After the transaction is completed, the dissenting shareholder must file a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery within a specific timeframe (usually within 120 days). This petition initiates legal proceedings to determine the fair value of the shares. 5. Valuation Determination: The Delaware Court of Chancery will conduct a thorough appraisal process, considering various factors such as market value, financial statements, future prospects, and any other relevant information. Ultimately, the court will determine the fair value of the dissenting shareholder's shares. It is important to note that Allegheny Pennsylvania Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law primarily applies to Delaware corporations and their shareholders. Other states may have similar provisions within their respective corporation laws, but the focus here is specifically on the Delaware law. In conclusion, Allegheny Pennsylvania Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers shareholders by providing them with the right to demand fair value for their shares in certain qualified transactions. By invoking these provisions, shareholders can protect their interests and ensure they receive adequate compensation for their ownership stakes.