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John Boyle discusses the varied and complex laws governing privately owned Minnesota businesses and the legal rights of their owners. These include the right to receive certain information about the company, to vote on corporate governance, and to receive stock dividends in certain situations. Shareholders who do not have voting control are also protected against unfair dealing by controlling shareholders. And, since the violation of shareholder rights can lead to the forced purchase of the stock at a premium price over normal market value, the consequences of a shareholder lawsuit can be profound for the remaining shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders in the company.