Shareholder Disputes

One of the most common types of dispute we advise on are disputes between shareholders. These are especially prevalent where a business has not been incorporated with a detailed set of articles of association or a shareholders’ agreement, which outline the specific rights and responsibilities each shareholder has in the business.

We have long been a tier 1 specialist team in the Legal 500, with a wealth of experience in resolving shareholder disputes for businesses and shareholders. These include private companies, LLPs or partnerships. We act for minority and majority shareholders in disputes, as well as for neutral directors representing the company itself. Disputes can often be settled through negotiation at a mediation, but they could go all the way to trial. Because of our experience and expertise, we are able to help clients at every stage of their dispute and tailor our advice to best meet their needs.

We are closely supported by our corporate team. This allows us to provide the best possible advice to our clients and swiftly undertake any work that may stem from the resolution of a dispute, such as a buy-out or restructuring. Where possible, our priority is to help get the business back on its feet.

We advise clients on the following main areas involved in shareholder disputes:

• Unfair prejudice claims;
• Remedies for a successful unfair prejudice claim, including buy-outs and just and equitable winding ups;
• Derivative claims;
• Removal of directors; and
• Takeover offers.

We also advise on general disputes relating to share purchase agreements, including:

• Completion accounts;
• Earn out clauses;
• Breach of warranty;
• Breach of good leaver/bad leaver provisions;
• Expert determinations.

We would be happy to discuss your initial enquiry over the telephone to take further information. Please call us on 01384 410410 and ask to speak to our litigation department. Alternatively, you can use the online enquiry form, in which case we will contact you shortly after.

Please use the subsections to find out more about the specific shareholder disputes we deal with and examples of such disputes.