S.C. Code Ann. § 35-2-221

This article does not apply to any business combination of a resident domestic corporation: (1) the original articles of incorporation of which contain a provision expressly electing not to be governed by this article; or (2) that adopts an amendment of the resident domestic corporation's articles of incorporation expressly electing not to be governed by this article; or (3) with an interested shareholder whose share acquisition date is on or before the effective date of this article; or (4) such business combination was the subject of a written agreement in existence and binding upon the resident domestic corporation on the effective date of this article and such agreement is not amended or modified in any material respect after the effective date of this article. Editor's Note 1988 Act No. 444 SECTION 6 provides as follows: "For purposes of this act, when the terms 'effective date of this chapter' or 'effective date of this article' or similar derivations thereof are used in Chapter 2, Title 35 of the 1976 Code, as contained in Section 5 of this act, these terms must be construed to mean the effective date of the amendments to Chapter 2 of Title 35 as contained in this act."