Learning Goals

The course is taught in English. The course will explore the main issues which arise in the field of company law in the framework of the European Community legal order. To begin with, the right of establishment of companies within the Internal Market, as guaranteed by the EC Treaty, will be examined. Special consideration will be given to the role of the European Court of Justice case-law in this area. The focus will then be placed on the harmonisation process as a means to avoid regulatory competition (also called Delaware effect) among the Member States. The study of the Community legislation in the field of company law will be carried according to the following sectors of intervention: formation and activity of companies; structural operations and corporate accounting. After that, the Community instruments for cross-border economic activity will be examined (European Economic Interest Grouping; European Company; European Cooperative Society). Lastly, the future developments of European Company law will be discussed, on the basis of the Commissions 2003 Communication on the modernisation of company law.

Metodi didattici

Lezioni frontali

Teaching Methods

In person lectures

Prerequisites

The course is taught in English. Familiarity with Business Law and Private "economic" Law.

Verifiche dell'apprendimento

L'acquisizione dei risultati dell'apprendimento è controllata con un esame orale finale. L'esame consiste in una serie di domande relative a parti fondamentali del programma. Il candidato deve dimostrare un adeguato livello di conoscenza e comprensione, maturità critica, capacità di risolvere specifici problemi legali e corrette capacità di comunicazione (particolare attenzione sarà data all'uso appropriato dei termini tecnici). L'acquisizione dei risultati dell'apprendimento è valutata mediante valutazione numerica (18/30 30/30).

Assessment

The acquisition of learning outcomes is controlled with a final oral examination. The exam consists of a set of questions relating to fundamental parts of the program. The candidate must demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding, critical maturity, the skill to solve specific legal problems and correct communication skills (particular attention will be given to the appropriate use of technical terms). The acquisition of learning outcomes is assessed by numerical rating (18/30 30/30).

Programma del Corso

Il corso è tenuto in inglese. 1: Le caratteristiche principali del diritto societario 2: personalità aziendale 3: Limitazione di responsabilità e incanalamento delle pretese dei creditori 4: Responsabilità limitata: i limiti dell'autosufficienza del creditore 5: Gestione centralizzata I: Potenziamento degli azionisti in società ampiamente detenute 6: Gestione centralizzata II: Doveri dei direttori 7: Gestione centralizzata III: Definizione degli incentivi del Consiglio 8: Azionisti di maggioranza e minoranza 9: Controllo degli azionisti 10: diritto societario internazionale

Course Syllabus

The course is taught in English. 1: The Core Features of Company Law 2: Corporate Personality 3: Limiting Liability and Channelling Creditors' Claims 4: Limited Liability: The Limits of Creditor Self-help 5: Centralized Management I: Empowering Shareholders in Widely Held Companies 6: Centralized Management II: Directors' Duties 7: Centralized Management III: Setting the Board's Incentives 8: Majority and Minority Shareholders 9: Shareholder Control 10: International Company Law