What must shareholders do to avoid being bound by a fundamental change?

To avoid being bound by a fundamental change, shareholders must submit a written demand to be bought out. This process typically involves dissenting shareholders exercising their appraisal rights, which allow them to seek fair compensation for their shares rather than be forced into a merger or other significant corporate restructuring they do not support. Appraisal rights are designed to protect minority shareholders from being compelled into agreements that may adversely affect their investment or that they do not agree with.

Voting in favor of the merger would bind shareholders to the outcome, while proposing changes to corporate bylaws or merely attending meetings would not sufficiently protect their interests if they disagree with the proposed fundamental change. Thus, submitting a written demand is the key action to ensure they have the option to exit the investment on their terms.