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HomeCorporations CodeCh. 4§ 418 Share Transfer And Restrictions

§ 418 Share Transfer And Restrictions

Corporations Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 418 Share Transfer And Restrictions

Key Takeaways

  • •If shares have special rules (like who can buy them or how they can be sold), those rules must be clearly written on the share certificate.
  • •If the rules aren’t written on the certificate, someone who buys the shares might not have to follow them.
  • •For small companies (close corporations), the certificate must say how many people can own shares (no more than 35).
  • •If someone tries to sell shares in a small company and it would break the 35-person rule, the sale is canceled if the certificate has the required warning.

Example

You buy shares in a small family business, but the certificate doesn’t say the company only allows 35 owners.

If the company tries to say your purchase is invalid because it would make 36 owners, they can’t enforce that rule against you because it wasn’t written on the certificate.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 418 Share Transfer And Restrictions

(a) There shall also appear on the certificate, the initial transaction statement, and written statements (unless stated or summarized under subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 417) the statements required by all of the following clauses to the extent applicable: (1) The fact that the shares are subject to restrictions upon transfer. (2) If the shares are assessable or are not fully paid, a statement that they are assessable or the statements required by subdivision (d) of Section 409 if they are not fully paid. (3) The fact that the shares are subject to a voting agreement under subdivision (a) of Section 706 or an irrevocable proxy under subdivision (e) of Section 705 or restrictions upon voting rights contractually imposed by the corporation. (4) The fact that the shares are redeemable. (5) The fact that the shares are convertible and the period for conversion. Any such statement or reference thereto (Section 174) on the face of the certificate, the initial transaction statement, and written statements required by paragraph (1) or (2) shall be conspicuous. (b) Unless stated on the certificate, the initial transaction statement, and written statements as required by subdivision (a), no restriction upon transfer, no right of redemption and no voting agreement under subdivision (a) of Section 706, no irrevocable proxy under subdivision (e) of Section 705, and no voting restriction imposed by the corporation shall be enforceable against a transferee of the shares without actual knowledge of such restriction, right, agreement or proxy. With regard only to liability to assessment or for the unpaid portion of the subscription price, unless stated on the certificate as required by subdivision (a), that liability shall not be enforceable against a transferee of the shares. For the purpose of this subdivision, “transferee” includes a purchaser from the corporation. (c) All certificates representing shares of a close corporation shall contain in addition to any other statements required by this section, the following conspicuous legend on the face thereof: “This corporation is a close corporation. The number of holders of record of its shares of all classes cannot exceed ____ [a number not in excess of 35]. Any attempted voluntary inter vivos transfer which would violate this requirement is void. Refer to the articles, bylaws and any agreements on file with the secretary of the corporation for further restrictions.” (d) Any attempted voluntary inter vivos transfer of the shares of a close corporation which would result in the number of holders of record of its shares exceeding the maximum number specified in its articles is void if the certificate contains the legend required by subdivision (c). (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 766, Sec. 18.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

transfer restrictionsassessablevoting agreementredeemableconvertibleclose corporationholders of recordvoluntary inter vivos transfer

Related Statutes

  • § 2800 Social Purpose Corporation Certificates
  • § 421 Share Transfer Restrictions Agreement
  • § 423 Share Assessments Authority
  • § 158 Close Corporation Definition
  • § 12450 Corporate Dissolution Exemption

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Corporations Code. Section 418.
View Official Source