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Home Cases Energy Founders Fund v. Daskevich

Energy Founders Fund v. Daskevich

Texas Business Court, 11th Division 26-BC11A-0004 active

Analysis

Advancement Rights Governed by Agreement in Effect When Conduct Occurred, Not When Suit Filed—But Claims Must Arise 'By Reason Of' Director Service

In Energy Founders Fund v. Daskevich, the Business Court denied a director's motion to compel advancement of legal fees, holding that while the company agreement in effect during the director's service governs advancement rights—not a later amendment eliminating those rights—the claims against him did not arise "by reason of" his director service as required by the agreement's advancement provision. The decision clarifies that advancement is a conduct-based contractual right distinct from indemnification, but its scope is limited to claims causally connected to the director's corporate role.

Joel Reese  |  Jul 28, 2026
Drag-Along Rights Company Agreement LLC Governance Advancement of Fees Conditions Precedent

Drag-Along Rights Turn on Present Control, Not Post-Closing Governance Arrangements

In Energy Founders Fund v. Daskevich, the Texas Business Court held that a buyer was not an "Affiliate" under a company agreement's drag-along provision where the selling member possessed no equity, voting authority, or management power over the buyer before closing, notwithstanding negotiated post-closing governance rights. The court rejected the argument that contingent future control relationships can retroactively create affiliate status, emphasizing that the agreement's definition requires actual possession of present governance power.

Joel Reese  |  Jul 28, 2026
Private Equity Drag-Along Rights Summary Judgment Company Agreement Affiliate Definition

Board Approval Alone Suffices for Unit Transfers Under Company Agreement; Special Director Consent Not Required

In Energy Founders Fund v. Daskevich, Division 11 granted summary judgment holding that a company agreement's Section 9.2 required only majority board approval—not dual-director consent under Section 7.2(c)(ii)—to transfer membership units, including a 100% equity sale triggering drag-along rights. The court applied plain-language contract interpretation principles, finding no ambiguity in the LLC agreement's governance provisions.

Joel Reese  |  Jul 28, 2026
Drag-Along Rights Summary Judgment Company Agreement Contract Interpretation LLC Governance