What is a Shareholders’ Agreement/do I need One?

25th October 2011

What is a Shareholders’ Agreement and do I need on

What is a Shareholders’ Agreement?

A Shareholders’ Agreement is an agreement between the shareholders (members) of a company with the intention of helping the smooth running of a company and to prevent disputes between the shareholders about the management of the company. Shareholders’ Agreements will often seek to protect the shareholders’ interests in the company, establish and record an agreed relationship between the shareholders and record the shareholders’ intentions for the company.

There are usually a number of key provisions in the Shareholders’ Agreement which often include the following:-

Sale of Shares

The Shareholders’ Agreement will regulate the sale of shares in the company, including provision as to how to value the shares and for preventing the shares being sold to undesirable third parties.

Veto Rights

The Shareholders’ Agreement will often protect the minority shareholders (who hold less than 50% of the shares in the company), giving them more input in fundamental decisions.

Protecting the Company

The shareholders will agree, if they sell their shares, to protect the company by not setting up rival businesses within a defined area for a period of time and by not poaching staff, customers or interfering with suppliers for a period of time. The shareholders usually also agree to abide by duties of confidentiality.

The Business of the Company

The shareholders will agree the scope of the business that the company can carry on, determine the business plan and select the directors etc.

The Financing of the Company

The shareholders will agree how the company is to be financed, including provisions on the control of the company’s bank accounts and the preparation of management accounts and reports for the shareholders.

If you need further advice about a Shareholders’ Agreement then please contact Daven Naghen on 01775 722261, daven.naghen@maplessolicitors.com or at 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH or Gemma Mayer on 01775 722261, gemma.mayer@maplessolicitors.com or at 23 New Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 1DH.

Coffee Morning and Pop-Up Clinic

Join us at The Ruby Hunt Centre, Church Street, Donington, PE11 4UA on Monday 11th March 2024 between 10am and 12pm for a free coffee morning and pop-up clinic to talk about Wills, Powers of Attorney and financial planning for Care Homes.

If you cannot join us for the coffee morning, please contact one of our lawyers in the Wills and Probate Department to discuss a home visit.

Or telephone the office 01775 722261 and ask to speak with one of the team.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

"I would highly recommend Maples Solicitors, especially Gemma Mayer, for any conveyancing work. The level of support and professionalism was excellent at all times. I also felt if I needed to ask or clarify anything that it was not an issue. Buying and selling a house is stressful enough, but Gemma helped me through it step by step."

Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

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Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.