Shareholder Issues and Disputes

Disputes between shareholders and joint venture parties are often a time consuming and unwanted distraction for all concerned. It is usually the case that the most cost and time effective way of reaching a commercial solution is through a legal framework. Indeed, clearly drafted articles of association or shareholder agreements can help avoid shareholder disputes occurring in the first place.

Our Business Services team aim to understand the commercial context of the dispute before advising our clients. That way we can ensure that the advice we offer on strategies, possible exit routes and resolutions are particularly suited to your ultimate objectives. 

Our Business Services team together with our Litigation department will look at all the possibilities available to you, from aggressive court action to arbitration and mediation, keeping your timeframe and budget in mind at all times to select the most appropriate course of action for you.

Typical examples of shareholder disputes are as follows:

• Companies being run in a manner that is unfairly prejudicial to the interests of some of its shareholders;
• Breaches of the terms of an existing shareholder/joint venture agreement or the company's articles of association;
• Failure by directors to keep shareholders informed of meetings or attempting to exclude certain shareholders from attending meetings;
• Incorrect or unlawful declarations of dividends;
• Shareholders bringing claims against their directors for a breach of directorial duties. 

Our team has valuable experience in advising on corporate transactions and commercial dispute resolutions. If you are embroiled in a shareholder dispute or want advice on how to successfully avoid shareholder disputes in the future please contact a member of our Business Services team to arrange a meeting: