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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>60304</law_id><section_number>13.1-725</section_number><catch_line>Definitions</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>13.1-603</reference><reference>13.1-719.1</reference><reference>38.2-3115</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="13.1">Corporations</unit><unit label="chapter" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="9">Virginia Stock Corporation Act</unit><unit label="article" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="14">Affiliated Transactions</unit></structure><text>
						<section><p>For purposes of this article:
		An &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">affiliate</span>&#x201D; means a <span class="dictionary">person</span> that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, <span class="dictionary">controls</span>, is controlled by, or is under common <span class="dictionary">control</span> with the <span class="dictionary">person</span> specified.
		An &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span>&#x201D; means any of the following transactions:</p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Any <span class="dictionary">merger</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries with any <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> or with any other <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> that immediately after the <span class="dictionary">merger</span> would be an <span class="dictionary">affiliate</span> of an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> that was an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> immediately before the <span class="dictionary">merger</span>; <a id="paragraph-220570" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Any <span class="dictionary">share exchange</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Share exchange" href="/13.1-717/">13.1-717</a> in which any <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> acquires one or more classes or series of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries; <a id="paragraph-220571" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Except for transactions in the ordinary course of business, (i) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> (in one transaction or a series of transactions) to or with any <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> of any <span class="dictionary">assets</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or of any of its subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value in excess of five percent of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>&#x2019;s consolidated net worth as of the date of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>&#x2019;s most recently available financial statements, or (ii) any guaranty by the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of indebtedness of any <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> in an amount in excess of five percent of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>&#x2019;s consolidated net worth as of the date of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>&#x2019;s most recently available financial statements; <a id="paragraph-220572" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="4"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> The sale or other <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> by the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries to an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries having an aggregate market value in excess of five percent of the aggregate market value of all outstanding <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> except pursuant to a share dividend or the exercise of rights or warrants distributed or offered on a basis affording substantially proportionate treatment to all holders of the same class or series of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span>; <a id="paragraph-220573" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="5"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> The dissolution, domestication, or conversion of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> if proposed by or on behalf of an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>; or <a id="paragraph-220574" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="6"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> Any reclassification of securities, including any <span class="dictionary">reverse</span> stock split, or recapitalization of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>, or any <span class="dictionary">merger</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> with any of its subsidiaries or any <span class="dictionary">distribution</span> or other transaction, whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>, which has the effect, directly or indirectly (in one transaction or a series of transactions), of increasing by more than five percent the percentage of the outstanding <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned by any <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>.
			The &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">announcement date</span>&#x201D; means the date of the first general public announcement of the proposed <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> or of the intention to propose an <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> or the date on which the proposed <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> or the intention to propose an <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> is first communicated generally to <span class="dictionary">shareholders</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>, whichever is earlier.
			An &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">associate</span>&#x201D; means as to any specified <span class="dictionary">person</span>: <a id="paragraph-220575" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Any <span class="dictionary">entity</span>, other than the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> and any of its subsidiaries, of which such <span class="dictionary">person</span> is an officer, director, manager, or general partner or is the <span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span> of 10 percent or more of any class of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> or other <span class="dictionary">interests</span>; <a id="paragraph-220576" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Any trust or other estate in which such <span class="dictionary">person</span> has a substantial beneficial <span class="dictionary">interest</span> or as to which such <span class="dictionary">person</span> serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and <a id="paragraph-220577" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Any relative or spouse of such <span class="dictionary">person</span>, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same home as such <span class="dictionary">person</span> or who is an officer or director of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its <span class="dictionary">affiliates</span>.
			A <span class="dictionary">person</span> is deemed to be a &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span>&#x201D; of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> as to which such <span class="dictionary">person</span> and such <span class="dictionary">person</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">affiliates</span> and <span class="dictionary">associates</span>, individually or in the aggregate, have or share directly, or indirectly through any <span class="dictionary">contract</span>, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise: <a id="paragraph-220578" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> <span class="dictionary">Voting power</span>, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting of the <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span>, unless such power results solely from a revocable proxy given in response to a proxy solicitation made to more than 10 <span class="dictionary">persons</span> by way of a solicitation statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange <span class="dictionary">Commission</span> and in accordance with the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934; <a id="paragraph-220579" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Investment power, which includes the power to dispose or to direct the <span class="dictionary">disposition</span> of the <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span>; or <a id="paragraph-220580" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="3"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> The right to acquire <span class="dictionary">voting power</span> or investment power, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time, pursuant to any <span class="dictionary">contract</span>, arrangement, or understanding, upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options, or otherwise; provided, that (i) a <span class="dictionary">person</span> shall not be deemed to be a <span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span> of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such <span class="dictionary">person</span> or such <span class="dictionary">person</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">affiliates</span> or <span class="dictionary">associates</span> until such tendered <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> are accepted for purchase or exchange, (ii) a member of a national securities exchange shall not be deemed to be a <span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span> of shares held directly or indirectly by it on behalf of another <span class="dictionary">person</span> solely because such member is the record holder of such securities and, pursuant to the rules of such exchange may direct the vote of such shares, without instructions, on other than contested matters or matters that may affect substantially the rights or <span class="dictionary">privileges</span> of the holders of the shares to be voted but is otherwise precluded by the rules of such exchange from voting without instructions and (iii) a director of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> shall not be deemed to be a <span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span> of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> beneficially owned by another director of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> solely by reason of actions undertaken by such <span class="dictionary">persons</span> in their capacity as directors of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>.
			&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Control</span>&#x201D; means the <span class="dictionary">possession</span>, directly or indirectly, through the ownership of voting securities, by <span class="dictionary">contract</span>, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a <span class="dictionary">person</span>. The beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more of a <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> shall be deemed to constitute <span class="dictionary">control</span>.
			The &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">determination date</span>&#x201D; means the date on which an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> became an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>.
			Unless otherwise specified in the <span class="dictionary">articles of incorporation</span> initially filed with the <span class="dictionary">Commission</span>, for purposes of this article a &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">disinterested director</span>&#x201D; means as to any particular <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> (i) any member of the board of directors of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> who was a member of the board of directors before the later of January 1, 1988, and the <span class="dictionary">determination date</span> and (ii) any member of the board of directors of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> who was recommended for election by, or was elected to fill a vacancy and received the affirmative vote of, a majority of the <span class="dictionary">disinterested directors</span> then on the board of directors.
			&#x201C;Fair market value&#x201D; means: <a id="paragraph-220581" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> In the case of shares, the highest closing sale price of a share quoted during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question on the composite tape for shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or, if such shares are not quoted on the composite tape on the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal <span class="dictionary">United States</span> securities exchange registered under the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on which such shares are listed, or, if such shares are not listed on any such exchange, the highest closing bid quotation with respect to a share during the 30-day period preceding the date in question on the NASDAQ stock market automated quotations system or any similar system then in general use, or, if no such quotations are available, the fair market value of a share on the date in question as determined by a majority of the <span class="dictionary">disinterested directors</span>; and <a id="paragraph-220582" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> In the case of property other than cash or shares, the fair market value of such property on the date in question as determined by a majority of the <span class="dictionary">disinterested directors</span>.
			An &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>&#x201D; means any <span class="dictionary">person</span> that is: <a id="paragraph-220583" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> The <span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span> of more than 10 percent of any class of the outstanding <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>; however, the term &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>&#x201D; shall not include the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries, any savings, employee stock ownership, or other employee benefit plan of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> or any of its subsidiaries, or any fiduciary with respect to any such plan when acting in such capacity. For the purpose of determining whether a <span class="dictionary">person</span> is an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span>, the number of <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> deemed to be outstanding shall include shares deemed owned by the <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> through application of subdivision 3 under the definition of &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">beneficial owner</span>&#x201D; but shall not include any other <span class="dictionary">voting shares</span> that may be issuable pursuant to any <span class="dictionary">contract</span>, arrangement, or understanding, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right, warrant, or option, or otherwise; or <a id="paragraph-220584" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="2"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> An <span class="dictionary">affiliate</span> or <span class="dictionary">associate</span> of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> and at any time within the preceding three years was an <span class="dictionary">interested shareholder</span> of such <span class="dictionary">corporation</span>.
			&#x201C;Valuation date&#x201D; means, if the <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> is voted upon by <span class="dictionary">shareholders</span>, the day before the date of the vote of <span class="dictionary">shareholders</span> or, if the <span class="dictionary">affiliated transaction</span> is not voted upon by <span class="dictionary">shareholders</span>, the date of the consummation of the transaction.
			&#x201C;<span class="dictionary">Voting shares</span>&#x201D; means the outstanding shares of all classes or series of the <span class="dictionary">corporation</span> entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. <a id="paragraph-220585" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/13.1-725/#2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1985, c. 522; 1988, c. 442; 2005, c. 765; 2010, c. 782; 2019, c. 734.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
