公司违反章程对外担保的效力分析——兼论相对人的形式审查义务

Effect of External Guarantees in Breach of the Articles of the Company——Discussion on Duty of Pro Forma Investigation of the Counterpart

《公司法》第16条第1款,不仅是对公司对外提供担保的法律规制,也是对作为相对人的债权人作出的指引。公司章程中记载的担保相关事项,不仅是内部管理规范,也具备一定的外部效力,唯担保债权人处于善意时可以对抗。而善意的判定标准,在于是否尽到适当的注意义务,是否完成了相应的审查。但相对人的这种审查义务只是形式上对公司章程和相关决议的审查,并不涉及决议是否真实有效。公司的董事、监事对公司负有忠诚义务,在管理经营公司的业务之时,应当毫无保留地为公司最大利益努力。若公司董事、经理违背此义务,擅自以公司名义对外担保,应负个人责任。

The paragraph 1 of Article 16 of Chinese Company Law is not only a legal regulation for company external guarantees, but also a direction for the company＇s creditor. All the guarantee related things written in the articles of the company are internal management norms, and at the same time, have external effect except for bona fide counterparts. The standard for bona fide is to fulfill proper duty of care and implement appropriate investigation. However, this kind of investigation only involves the article of the company and the existence of the resolution but not the authenticity and effectiveness of the resolution. All the directors, supervisors and managers of the company undertake duty of loyalty, which means they shall strike for the biggest for the company. If any directors or managers breach this duty to offer external guarantee in the name of the company, they shall take personal responsibility.