Never mind those people who accuse corporations of being heartless, soulless monoliths. As lawyers, we know better. Corporations are people, too-it’s a basic principle of corporate law. And just like a real person, a corporation can own property, earn income, and pay taxes. But as Valentine’s Day approaches, one can’t help but wonder: Can a corporation fall in love?
To judge by the lingo, it seems that many a corporate love story could have been scripted by a romance writer. Mergers often come about after one corporation has been through a rough patch, and is now on the rebound (or at least, its stock price is beginning to rebound). Suddenly a once self-sufficient company feels vulnerable to a solid value proposition from a respectable suitor. This is the moment when a solo company hooks up with a sweetheart. No, really: In 2004, Solo Cup Corporation merged with Sweetheart Cups.
