Louisiana § RS 12:1-870 - Business opportunities

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 12:1-870 — Business opportunities, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 12:1-870. Business opportunities

            A. If a director or officer or related person of either pursues or takes advantage, directly or indirectly, of a business opportunity, that action may not be the subject of any form of relief, or give rise to an award of damages or other sanctions against the director, officer or related person, in a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation on the ground that such opportunity should have first been offered to the corporation, if the requirements of Paragraph (1) or (2) of this Subsection are satisfied:

            (1) Before the director, officer or related person becomes legally obligated respecting the opportunity, the director or officer brings it to the attention of the corporation and either of the following occurs:

            (a) Action by qualified directors disclaiming the corporation's interest in the opportunity is taken in compliance with the same procedures set forth in R.S. 12:1-862.

            (b) Shareholders' action disclaiming the corporation's interest in the opportunity is taken in compliance with the procedures set forth in R.S. 12:1-863, as if the decision being made concerned a director's conflicting interest transaction.

            (2) The duty to offer the corporation the particular business opportunity has been limited or eliminated pursuant to a provision of the articles of incorporation adopted, and in the case of officers and their related persons made effective by action of qualified directors, in accordance with R.S. 12:1-202(B)(6).

            B. In any proceeding seeking equitable relief or other remedies based upon an alleged improper taking advantage of a business opportunity by a director, the fact that the director did not employ the procedure described in Subsection A of this Section before taking advantage of the opportunity shall not create an inference that the opportunity should have been first presented to the corporation or alter the burden of proof otherwise applicable to establish that the director breached a duty to the corporation in the circumstances.

            C. For purposes of this Section, the term "required disclosure" as used in R.S. 12:1-862 and R.S. 12:1-863 means prior disclosure to those acting on behalf of the corporation of all material facts concerning the business opportunity that are then known to the director or officer.

            Acts 2014, No. 328, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015; Acts 2016, No. 442, §1.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 12:1-870

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 12:1-870 cover?

Section RS 12:1-870 ("Business opportunities") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 12:1-870?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 12:1-870" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 12:1-870 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.