Shareholder & partnership agreements
When a business has more than one owner, agreeing the rules early avoids costly disagreements later. A shareholder or partnership agreement sets out how decisions are made and what happens when circumstances change.
What we can help with
Common matters
- Shareholder agreements
- Partnership agreements
- Company constitutions
- Bringing in a new owner or investor
- Exit, buy-out and deadlock provisions
- Disagreements between owners
Before you enquire
Helpful details to include:
- The business structure (company, partnership or trust)
- The owners and their ownership percentages
- Whether this is a new arrangement or an existing concern
- Any existing constitution or agreement
Things to consider
Decision making
Decide which decisions need unanimous approval, which need a majority, and who manages the business day to day.
When an owner leaves
Agree how shares are valued and transferred if an owner wants to exit, becomes unwell or passes away, or stops contributing.
Resolving deadlock
A clear dispute resolution process can keep the business running if owners disagree.
Common questions
Is a company constitution enough?
A constitution sets general rules for the company. A shareholder agreement typically deals with matters specific to the owners, such as exits, valuation and restraints.
Can we put an agreement in place after starting the business?
Yes. It is common to formalise arrangements once a business is established, ideally before any disagreement arises.
General information only, not legal advice. Submitting an enquiry does not create a solicitor-client relationship.