Shareholder & Boardroom Disputes
Shareholder & boardroom disputes resolutions for start-ups, scale-ups and the entrepreneurially spirited
It is crucial, in the event of disputes amongst shareholders, for these to be resolved quickly and effectively. There can also be wide ranging ancillary issues, such as the removal of directors and the termination of employment contracts which need to be dealt with.
We have experience in a wide range of shareholder dispute matters including the following:
Legal Considerations
Review the articles of association and any relevant shareholders or founders agreements.
The common law and equitable duties of directors (and shadow and de facto directors) are codified in section 170 of the Companies Act 2006. These duties include:
“Unfair prejudice” is a legal action that exists pursuant to s.994 of the Companies Act 2006 to offer statutory protection for oppressed minority shareholders. When a shareholder feels that a company’s board of directors is acting in a way that prejudices him/her as a shareholder or a group of shareholders, that shareholder (or the affected group of shareholders) may have a right to bring an action for “unfair prejudice”.
In order to bring such a claim, a shareholder must show that:
The following is a non-exhaustive list of what the Courts have previously considered to amount to unfair prejudice:
The Court has a wide discretion when it comes to relief and can order that the company’s affairs are judicially regulated in future or that the company refrain from acting in a certain way. Most frequently the remedy granted is to provide for the purchase of the shareholding of the unfairly treated member by the other shareholders or by the Company itself and, in the case of the purchase by the Company itself, the reduction of the Company's capital accordingly. The applicable valuation is often the price that would have been achieved as if the unfairly prejudicial treatment had not taken place.
Under s.122(1)(g) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (“IA 1986”) a company may be wound up by the Court if ‘the court is of the opinion that it is just and equitable the company should be wound up’. The grounds of what may constitute ‘just and equitable’ are not exhaustively defined but can include:
It should be noted that even if the criteria for bringing a claim for a just and equitable winding up can be met, the Court may still refuse to grant the relief on the basis that there is an alternative remedy available. Since this is both a discretionary remedy and drastic in nature, the Court may deem that it is unreasonable for the petitioner not to pursue an alternative remedy where a realistic one exists (s.125 IA 1986).
Find out how we can help with shareholder disputes & boardroom fall-outs.
Other factors to Consider
Other factors to Consider
Company buyback of shares and subsequent cancellation. This can be a useful route provided 75% of the shareholders will consent as the Company meets the acquisition cost; however it must have sufficient surplus cash.
If a founder is looking to step aside then perhaps a reorganisation can assist with the variation of rights but retention of financial reward.
An anti-embarrassment clause can operate effectively in any settlement agreement, with the sale price for shares being uplifted if an event such as a sale of the business occurs or funding is received subsequent to exit.
A key to the resolution of a dispute is often an independent valuation of the relevant shareholding. To secure this the parties will need to determine the basis of the valuation.
News, Insights & Resources
During the recent session from our ‘General Counsel Know How’ series, senior corporate disputes lawyer Simon Engelsman led an interesting discussion on the various ways in which directors of limited companies can be found personally liable for actions carried out on behalf of those companies.
We are delighted to welcome Fabienne d’Adhemar to the team. Fabienne is a disputes lawyer and has advised clients in relation to: breach of contract claims, shareholder disputes, multi jurisdiction investigations, injunctive relief and enforcing foreign judgments.
Shareholder disputes can have a big impact on any business especially a start-up. If managed early and decisive steps taken, shareholder disputes can be resolved with minimal impact on the business.
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