In lieu of is a preposition that means instead of or in place of. It is often used to describe a substitution or replacement for something else. For example, if someone is unable to attend an event, they might send a gift in lieu of their attendance.
An action taken by shareholders without a shareholders' meeting must be taken by all shareholders and must be evidenced by written consent of all shareholders of the corporation if any of the following applies: 1. The action involves the election of directors or the removal of one or more directors.
Shareholder action taken by written consent is universally recognized as a valid approval by shareholders and this is expressly confirmed by California statute. The 10-day waiting period acts to delay the effectiveness of the action, which hinders a corporation's ability to act with speed and efficiency when necessary.
Typically, Stockholder Consents happen around large company decisions that can affect the stockholders' equity. Often times, a written consent will be drafted by the company and then signed by the stockholders in lieu of a physical or virtual meeting of the stockholders.
“Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting” is a legal mechanism that allows the board of directors, shareholders, or members of an organization to make a decision or approve a resolution without actually convening a physical or virtual meeting.
The action must be evidenced by one or more unrevoked written consents signed by shareholders sufficient to take the action without a meeting, before or after the action, describing the action taken and delivered to the corporation for inclusion in the minutes or filing with the corporate records.
Action Taken by Consent in Lieu of Special Meeting Preamble: The consent preamble should state that the action is being taken "by written consent of unanimous majority of stockholders/directors in lieu of an annual meeting” and that such action(s) shall have the same force and effect as if taken at a meeting.
Common shareholders are granted six rights: voting power, ownership, the right to transfer ownership, a claim to dividends, the right to inspect corporate documents, and the right to sue for wrongful acts. Investors should thoroughly research the corporate governance policies of the companies they invest in.
Stockholders may act by providing their written consent rather than at a meeting. Taking action by written consent rather than at a formal meeting may be preferrable in corporations, like start-up companies, where the number of stockholders is relatively small and easily identifiable.