Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400 (3rd Cir. 1978). · Go Syfert
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400 (3rd Cir. 1978). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
107 citation events (3 in the last 25 years) across 26 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Flake v. Hoskins (ksd, 1999-06-17)
Treatment trajectory · 1978 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1978 2002 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Flake v. Hoskins
D. Kan. · 1999 · confidence medium
“The failure to disclose the motive behind a director’s decision is not actionable unless accompanied by objective and external deeds or omissions.” Craftmatic Securities Litigation v. Kraftsow, 890 F.2d 628, 638 (3d Cir.1989) (citing Biesenbach v. Guenther,. 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wishnefsky v. Addy
E.D. Pa. · 1997 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gandolfo v. U-Haul International, Inc.
D.N.J. · 1996 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kelly v. Borough of Sayreville
D.N.J. · 1996 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3rd Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gannon v. Continental Insurance
D.N.J. · 1996 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978) (“appellants are stating that the failure to disclose the breach of fiduciary duty is a misrepresentation sufficient to constitute a violation of the Act.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fry v. UAL Corp.
N.D. Ill. · 1995 · confidence medium
Bankshares, Inc., 796 F.2d 508, 518 (D.C.Cir.1986) (stating that a “plaintiff may not bootstrap a claim of breach of fiduciary duty into a federal securities law claim by alleging that directors failed to disclose that breach of fiduciary duty”); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978) (concluding “[I]n effect, appellants are stating that the failure to disclose the breach of fiduciary duty is a misrepresentation sufficient to constitute a violation of the Act.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Delaware Health Care, Inc. v. MCD Holding Co.
D. Del. · 1995 · confidence medium
In the context of a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, the Court must limit its consideration to the well-pleaded facts alleged by plaintiff in its complaint, Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978), and accept them as true, Jordan v. Fox, Rothschild, O’Brien & Frankel, 20 F.3d 1250 , 1261 (3d Cir.1994).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Johnson v. State of New Jersey
D.N.J. · 1994 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sisco ex rel. Boisseau v. Shalala
D.N.J. · 1994 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Erie City Retirees Ass'n v. City of Erie
W.D. Pa. · 1993 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Ciro, Inc. v. Gold
D. Del. · 1993 · confidence medium
Litigation v. Kraftsow, 890 F.2d 628 , 638-40 (3d Cir.1989); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978) (“In effect, appellants are stating that the failure to disclose the breach of fiduciary duty is a misrepresentation sufficient to constitute a *263 violation of the Act.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lewis v. Chrysler Corp. (2×) also: Cited "see"
3rd Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
“The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is ‘disclosed’, unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external.” Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978). “[Corporate officers and directors do not violate the federal securities laws by failing to disclose an entrenchment motive or scheme underlying their actions.” Warner Communications, 581 F.Supp. at 1490 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lewis v. Chrysler Corporation (2×) also: Cited "see"
3rd Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
While management motives in changing the Plan may have been self-serving as alleged, Chrysler's failure to disclose management's entrenchment scheme is not actionable under the federal securities laws. 56 "The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is 'disclosed', unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external." Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978). "[C]orporate officers and directors do not violate the federal securities laws by failing to disclose an entrenchment motive or scheme underlying thei…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cooper Development Co. v. First National Bank
D.N.J. · 1991 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dubowski v. Dominion Bankshares Corp.
W.D. Va. · 1991 · confidence medium
(CCH) 92,979 at p. 94,808, 1986 WL 198 (W.D.Wash.1986) (citing Biesenback v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mendell v. Greenberg
2d Cir. · 1991 · confidence medium
See, e.g.: 92 Lessler v. Little, 857 F.2d 866, 875 (1st Cir.1988) (defendants not required to disclose "true motivation" in selling company assets), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1016 , 109 S.Ct. 1130 , 103 L.Ed.2d 192 (1989); 93 Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978) (defendants not liable for failure to disclose "true purpose" behind their activities); 94 Ward v. Succession of Freeman, 854 F.2d 780, 791 (5th Cir.1988) ("Case law clearly holds that a defendant's motive is not a material 'fact.' "), cert. denied, 490 U.S. 1065 , 109 S.Ct. 2064 , 104 L.Ed.2d 629 (1989); 95 Alabama Far…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Mendell v. Greenberg
2d Cir. · 1990 · confidence medium
See, e.g.: Lessler v. Little, 857 F.2d 866, 875 (1st Cir.1988) (defendants not required to disclose “true motivation” in selling company assets), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1016 , 109 S.Ct. 1130 , 103 L.Ed.2d 192 (1989); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978) (defendants not liable for failure to disclose “true purpose” behind their activities); Ward v. Succession of Freeman, 854 F.2d 780, 791 (5th Cir.1988) (“Case law clearly holds that a defendant’s motive is not a material ‘fact.’ ”), cert. denied, 490 U.S. 1065 , 109 S.Ct. 2064 , 104 L.Ed.2d 629 (1989); Alaba…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Midlantic Corp. Shareholder Litigation
D.N.J. · 1990 · confidence medium
In Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978), the Court of Appeals “stated that the failure to disclose the motive behind a directors decision is not actionable unless accompanied by objective and external deeds or omissions.” In re Craftmatic Securities Litigation, 890 F.2d at 638 (commenting on Biesenbach).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Vt Investors v. R & D FUNDING CORP.
D.N.J. · 1990 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); see supra Section A(l).
cited Cited as authority (rule) FIRST AMERICAN BANK AND TRUST BY LEVITT v. Frogel
S.D. Fla. · 1989 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3rd Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Polaroid Corp. v. Disney
D. Del. · 1988 · confidence medium
Offerors have no duty to “publicly admit the culpability of their actions.” Warner Communications, Inc. v. Murdoch, 581 F.Supp. 1482, 1490 (D.Del.1984) (referring to Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re General Motors Class E Stock Buyout Securities Litigation (2×)
D. Del. · 1988 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Field v. Trump
2d Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Bankshares, Inc., 796 F.2d 508, 513 (D.C.Cir.1986) (“plaintiff may not ‘bootstrap’ a claim of breach of fiduciary duty into a federal securities law claim by alleging that directors failed to disclose that breach of fiduciary duty”; “if the validity of a shareholder’s claim of material misstatement or nondisclosure rests solely on a legal determination that the transaction was unfair to a minority shareholder or that an officer or director’s conduct amounted to a breach of his fiduciary duty, the claim does not state a cause of action under sections 10(b) or 14(a)”); Panter v. …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Field v. Trump
2d Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Bankshares, Inc., 796 F.2d 508, 513 (D.C.Cir.1986) ("plaintiff may not 'bootstrap' a claim of breach of fiduciary duty into a federal securities law claim by alleging that directors failed to disclose that breach of fiduciary duty"; "if the validity of a shareholder's claim of material misstatement or nondisclosure rests solely on a legal determination that the transaction was unfair to a minority shareholder or that an officer or director's conduct amounted to a breach of his fiduciary duty, the claim does not state a cause of action under sections 10(b) or 14(a)"); Panter v. Marshall Field &…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pullman-Peabody Co. v. Joy Manufacturing Co.
D.N.J. · 1986 · confidence medium
In Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3rd Cir.1978), the 3rd Circuit clearly recited this principle, that an alleged failure to disclose the breach of fiduciary duty does not constitute a violation of the Securities and Exchange Act.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 92,764 Charles Kademian and Stan Janes v. Ladish Co., a Wisconsin Corporation, Stan Janes v. Ladish Co., a Wisconsin Corporation, William Dixon, Jane Schennum and Robert Eisele v. Ladish Co., a Wisconsin Corporation (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
7th Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
Accord Atchley v. Qonaar, 704 F.2d 355, 358 (7th Cir.1983); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759, 765 (8th Cir.1978); Issen v. GSC Enterprises, Inc., 508 F.Supp. 1278, 1290 (N.D.Ill.1981); Hundahl v. United Benefit Life Insurance Co., 465 F.Supp. 1349, 1365-66 (N.D.Tex.1979); Bucher v. Shumway, [1979-1980 Transfer Binder] Fed.Sec.L.Rptr.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kademian v. Ladish Co. (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
7th Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
Accord Atchley v. Qonaar, 704 F.2d 355, 358 (7th Cir.1983); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759 , 765 (8th Cir.1978); Issen v. GSC Enterprises, Inc., 508 F.Supp. 1278, 1290 (N.D.Ill.1981); Hundahl v. United Benefit Life Insurance Co., 465 F.Supp. 1349, 1365-66 (N.D.Tex.1979); Bucher v. Shumway, [1979-1980 Transfer Binder] Fed.Sec.
cited Cited as authority (rule) RECCHION ON BEHALF OF WESTINGHOUSE ELEC. v. Kirby
W.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) District Council 47 v. Bradley
E.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
In considering a motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim, the court must limit its consideration to the facts alleged in the complaint, Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978), accepting such facts as true and construing them in a light most favorable to plaintiff.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nutis v. Penn Merchandising Corp.
E.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Panter v. Marshall Field & Co., 646 F.2d 271, 287-89 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 1092 , 102 S.Ct. 658 , 70 L.Ed.2d 631 (1981); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); Warner Communications, Inc. v. Murdoch, 581 F.Supp. 1482 (D.Del.1984); Sanders v. Thrall Car Manufacturing Co., 582 F.Supp. 945 (S.D.N.Y.1983), aff’d per curiam, 730 F.2d 910 (2d Cir.1984); Issen v. GSC Enterprises, 508 F.Supp. 1278 (N.D.Ill.1981).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Williams v. Tansey
E.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b); Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nutis v. Penn Merchandising Corp. (2×)
E.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Marczinko V. Local 249, General Teamsters Chauffeurs & Helpers
W.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Recchion v. Westinghouse Electric Corp.
W.D. Pa. · 1985 · confidence medium
On a Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, such as that presented in this case, the Court must limit its consideration of the facts to those alleged in the complaint. 1 Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hahn v. Breed
S.D.N.Y. · 1984 · confidence medium
Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969), quoted with approval in Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Warner Communications, Inc. v. Murdoch (2×) also: Cited "see, e.g."
D. Del. · 1984 · confidence medium
See, e.g., Atchley v. Qonaar Corp., 704 F.2d 355, 358 (7th Cir.1983); Panter v. Marshall Field & Co., 646 F.2d at 288 ; Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Hauptmann v. Wilentz
D.N.J. · 1983 · confidence medium
Conley, supra, 355 U.S. at 45-46 , 78 S.Ct. at 102 ; Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 401 (3d Cir.1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dofflemyer v. W.F. Hall Printing Co.
D. Del. · 1983 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); Fisher v. United Technologies Corp., 6 Del.J. of Corp.Law, 380, 386 (Del.Ch.1981). 5.The Rights of Hall Shareholders Opposing the Merger Finally, the complaint contains several allegations that defendants failed to disclose the complete legal picture with respect to shareholders who might wish to oppose the merger.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Appletree v. City of Hartford
D. Conn. · 1983 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978); Murray v. Amoco Oil Co., 539 F.2d 1385, 1387 (5th Cir.1976).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bank and Trust Co. of Old York Road v. Hankin
E.D. Pa. · 1982 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gieringer v. Silverman
E.D. Wis. · 1982 · confidence medium
Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Issen v. GSC Enterprises., Inc.
N.D. Ill. · 1981 · confidence medium
The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is ‘disclosed,’ unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external.” Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969), cited in Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bertoglio v. Texas International Co.
D. Del. · 1980 · confidence medium
The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is “disclosed,” unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external. *651 Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978) quoting from Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969).
cited Cited "see" Swin Resource Systems, Inc. v. Lycoming County ex rel. Lycoming County Solid Waste Department
3rd Cir. · 1989 · signal: see · confidence high
See Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited "see" Swin Resource Systems, Inc. v. Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
3rd Cir. · 1989 · signal: see · confidence high
See Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir.1978).
cited Cited "see" Shamrock Associates Ex Rel. Gelbach v. Moraga Corp.
D. Del. · 1983 · signal: see · confidence high
See Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (C.A.3, 1978).
discussed Cited "see" Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 98,465 Robert Staffin v. Joel W. Greenberg, Bluebird, Incorporated, Herbert Cook and Northern Foods, Ltd., Donald L. Winderman v. Joel W. Greenberg, Robert Staffin v. Northern Foods, Ltd., Bernard J. Gomberg v. Bluebird, Incorporated, Charles Heit v. Bluebird, Incorporated, Morris and Sally Leonard v. Joel W. Greenberg
3rd Cir. · 1982 · signal: see · confidence high
The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is 'disclosed,' unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external.' Lavin v. Data Systems Analysts, Inc., 443 F.Supp. 104 (1977), quoting from Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969); see Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759 (8th Cir. 1978)." 58 Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978).
discussed Cited "see" Staffin v. Greenberg
3rd Cir. · 1982 · signal: see · confidence high
The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is ‘disclosed,’ unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external.’ Lavin v. Data Systems Analysts, Inc., 443 F.Supp. 104 (1977), quoting from Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969); see Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759 (8th Cir. 1978).” Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978).
discussed Cited "see" Rodman v. Grant Foundation
2d Cir. · 1979 · signal: see · confidence high
In the absence of some ulterior wrongful design hinging upon so-called “entrenchment”, the directors were not required to put forth in the proxy materials an analysis of their otherwise obvious interest in company control. 5 Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969); Elgin National Industries, Inc. v. Chemetron Corp., 299 F.Supp. 367, 372-73 (D.Del.1969); see Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978); Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759, 765 (8th Cir. 1978); Altman v. Knight, 431 F.Supp. 309, 313-14 (S.D.N.Y.1977).
discussed Cited "see" Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 97,143
2d Cir. · 1979 · signal: see · confidence high
In the absence of some ulterior wrongful design hinging upon so-called "entrenchment", the directors were not required to put forth in the proxy materials an analysis of their otherwise obvious interest in company control. 5 Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969); Elgin National Industries, Inc. v. Chemetron Corp., 299 F.Supp. 367, 372-73 (D.Del.1969); See Biesenbach v. Guenther, 588 F.2d 400, 402 (3d Cir. 1978); Golub v. PPD Corp., 576 F.2d 759, 765 (8th Cir. 1978); Altman v. Knight, 431 F.Supp. 309, 313-14 (S.D.N.Y.1977). 39 Appellant also asserts that the proxy materials fai…
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 97,635 Ginn Biesenbach, Joseph Levin, Henry Sharman, Lisa B. White
v.
John H. Guenther, Jr., A. T. Consoli, Richard E. Hunter, Fred Parquitte, Leon Prince, Heidelberg, Inc.
78-1487.
Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Dec 4, 1978.
588 F.2d 400
Cited by 10 opinions  |  Published

588 F.2d 400

Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 97,635
Ginn BIESENBACH, Joseph Levin, Henry Sharman, Lisa B. White,
Appellants,
v.
John H. GUENTHER, Jr., A. T. Consoli, Richard E. Hunter,
Fred Parquitte, Leon Prince, Heidelberg, Inc., Appellees.

No. 78-1487.

United States Court of Appeals,
Third Circuit.

Argued Nov. 14, 1978.
Decided Dec. 4, 1978.

Bruce K. Cohen, Meredith, Cohen & Kepler, Philadelphia, Pa., for appellants.

Jeffrey R. Lerman, Thomas N. O'Neill, Jr., Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads, Philadelphia, Pa., for appellees.

Before ROSENN, GARTH and HIGGINBOTHAM, Circuit Judges.

OPINION OF THE COURT

ROSENN, Circuit Judge.

[*~400]1

This appeal involves the scope of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b) (1976) (Act), and Rule 10b-5, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5 (1977), in view of the recent Supreme Court decision in Santa Fe Industries, Inc. v. Green, 430 U.S. 462, 97 S.Ct. 1292, 51 L.Ed.2d 480 (1977). Plaintiffs' federal claims, brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, were dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6). As a result, plaintiffs' pendent state law claims were also dismissed. See United Mine Workers v. Gibbs, 383 U.S. 715, 86 S.Ct. 1130, 16 L.Ed.2d 218 (1966).

2

Plaintiffs, minority shareholders of Heidelberg, Inc., brought suit both derivatively and on behalf of all shareholders, against individual defendants constituting a majority of the Board of Directors of Heidelberg. The facts alleged by plaintiffs, which are accepted as true for the purpose of this appeal, center on two loans made by the defendants to Heidelberg. The first was in the amount of $500,000 and was secured by a second lien on corporate property. By use of their control of the Board of Directors, defendants arranged the terms of the loan so that they would receive interest at a rate of 10% In cash, land, or shares of Heidelberg, and 10% Of the principal would be repaid in stock of the corporation. Subsequently, the defendants, over the objections of minority shareholders, raised the interest charges to 4% Over the prime rate.

3

The second loan, in the amount of $226,270, called for a 15% Interest rate payable in cash, land, or shares and 15% Of the principal repayments to be in Heidelberg stock. In pursuit of their goal of gaining complete control of the corporation and eliminating opposition, defendants reduced the membership of the Board of Directors from 19 to 7. In addition, they authorized the issuance of 1,000,000 new shares after notifying shareholders of an intent to authorize 500,000. Plaintiffs allege that these activities constituted a fraud and deceit upon Heidelberg.[1]

4

The district court held that the complaint failed to allege the use of "any manipulative or deceptive device or contrivance in contravention" of the rule of the Securities and Exchange Commission within the meaning of the Act. Appellants do not challenge the district court's determination that the complaint contained no allegation which could be construed as a manipulation. See Santa Fe Industries, Inc. v. Green, supra, 430 U.S. at 476-77, 97 S.Ct. 1302. It is alleged, however, that the court erred in its failure to find allegation of deception.

5

The appellants contend that paragraph 30 of the amended complaint was sufficient to defeat a motion to dismiss:

6

At all times the individual defendants told shareholders that the aforesaid transactions were in the best interests of the shareholders and were designed to protect shareholders' financial interests. Said statements were false and misleading in that these transactions were not in the best interests of the shareholders nor were they designed to protect shareholders' financial interests.

7

The district court concluded that "the plaintiffs have alleged violations of the individual defendants' fiduciary duties as directors of the corporation. As such these allegations might well support a cause of action under the laws of Pennsylvania. However, since the Supreme Court's pronouncements in Santa Fe such allegations standing alone do not state a cause of action under Section 10b (10(b)) of the Act, or Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder." We agree.

[*~401]8

Santa Fe made clear that absent deception, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure a breach of fiduciary duty does not violate the statute or Rule.430 U.S. at 476, 97 S.Ct. at 1302. Appellants believe that the misrepresentations and omissions that occurred in this case were: 1) the misleading statements by defendants that the transactions were in the best interests of the shareholders and 2) the defendants' failure to disclose the true purpose behind the activities. In effect, appellants are stating that the failure to disclose the breach of fiduciary duty is a misrepresentation sufficient to constitute a violation of the Act. We refuse to adopt this approach which would clearly circumvent the Supreme Court's holding in Santa Fe. As Judge Higginbotham has reiterated:

9

(I)t is bemusing, and ultimately pointless, to charge that directors perpetrated a "material omission" when they failed to (a) discover and adjudged faithless motives for their actions and (b) announce such a discovery in reporting the products of their managerial efforts and judgment. The securities laws, while their central insistence is upon disclosure, were never intended to attempt any such measures of psychoanalysis or reported self-analysis. The unclean heart of a director is not actionable, whether or not it is "disclosed," unless the impurities are translated into actionable deeds or omissions both objective and external.

10

Lavin v. Data Systems Analysts, Inc., 443 F.Supp. 104 (1977) quoting from Stedman v. Storer, 308 F.Supp. 881, 887 (S.D.N.Y.1969); See Golub v. PPD Corp., 516 F.2d 759 (8th Cir. 1978).

11

In an attempt to buttress their allegation that the district court erred in dismissing this action, appellants point to deposition testimony which in their view indicates that defendants failed to disclose that they were discouraging bids from prospective purchasers of the corporation. We need not decide whether this would constitute a violation of the Act in light of the fact that the allegation does not fall within the ambit of the amended complaint. The complaint makes no reference to the possibility of a sale of the corporation or its assets, nor were any affidavits presented to the district court setting forth these contentions. On a 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, the district court must limit its consideration to the facts alleged in the complaint. Murray v. Amoco Oil Co., 539 F.2d 1385, 1387 (5th Cir. 1976); Grand Opera Co. v. Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp., 235 F.2d 303, 307 (7th Cir. 1956).

12

The appellants allege further that the district court erred in granting the motion to dismiss without holding oral argument. This contention is without merit. There was no oral argument because neither party requested it. Local Rule 36 of The Eastern District of Pennsylvania provides:

13

Oral argument shall be dispensed with unless specifically required by an interested party. In any case, the Court may decline to hear oral argument and may dispose of (motions) without further hearing or argument.

14

Failure to request argument constitutes waiver of the right to complain that it was not held.

15

Finally, appellants argue that the district court abused its discretion in dismissing the complaint without permitting the opportunity to amend. This was not error. Appellants could have sought leave to amend if they had so moved, 3 Moore's Federal Practice P 15.07(2) at 855, but instead they chose to bring this appeal. Appellants have further requested that if we affirm, that we allow the district court to entertain an application to amend the complaint. However, appellants have amended the complaint once and decided to appeal rather than attempt further amendment. In view of plaintiffs' suit in the state court, the remedy for the wrongs alleged in this case is in that forum.

[*~402]16

The judgment of the district court will be affirmed. Costs taxed against the appellants.

1

Plaintiffs do not appeal the district court determination that they lack standing to assert a claim on their own behalf because they neither bought nor sold any securities in connection with the alleged fraudulent transactions. See Blue Chip Stamps v. Manor Drug Stores, 421 U.S. 723, 95 S.Ct. 1917, 44 L.Ed.2d 539 (1975)