S.C. Code Ann. § 33-38-210: Effective date for incorporation as a benefit corporation; merger when surviving corporation is a benefit corporation.

(A) An existing domestic corporation shall become a benefit corporation on the effective date of the amendment to its articles of incorporation to include a provision providing that the corporation is a benefit corporation governed by this chapter. As amended, the articles of incorporation also must include an identification of any specific public benefit purpose as required by Section 33-38-300. An amendment under this section must be approved in the manner required by Section 33-38-230.

(B) If a corporation or other entity that is not a benefit corporation is a party to a merger, conversion, or share exchange, and the surviving or resulting entity in the merger, conversion, or share exchange is, or is to be as a result of such transaction, a benefit corporation, the plan of merger, conversion, or share exchange must be approved in the manner required by Section 33-38-230. Upon the completion of the transaction, in order for the surviving or resulting entity to be a benefit corporation it must include a provision in its articles of incorporation providing that the corporation is a benefit corporation governed by this chapter and identify any specific public benefit purpose as required by Section 33-38-300.