As a UK business owner, founder or shareholder, it’s important to understand shareholder agreements and their potential impact on your company. A shareholder agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a company that sets out the rights and obligations of each shareholder. The agreement governs the relationship between shareholders and the company, and can help to prevent disputes and protect the interests of all parties involved.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about navigating shareholder agreements in the UK.
What is a Shareholder Agreement?
A shareholder agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders in a company. The agreement sets out how the company will be run, the distribution of profits, how shareholders can sell their shares, and how disputes will be resolved.
The terms of a shareholder agreement can vary widely depending on the needs of the company and the shareholders involved.
Some common provisions of a shareholder agreement include:
- Restrictions on the sale of shares
- Rights of first refusal
- Vesting of shares
- Board composition and decision-making
- Transfer restrictions
- Non-compete clauses
For more on what to inlude in a shareholder’s agreement, see this guide.
Why do I need a Shareholder Agreement?
If your company has more than one shareholder, a shareholder agreement is essential. The agreement helps to clarify the relationship between shareholders and the company, and can help to prevent disputes down the line. A well-drafted shareholder agreement can also protect the interests of minority shareholders, ensure that decision-making is fair and transparent, and provide a mechanism for resolving disputes.
Even if your company only has one shareholder, a shareholder agreement can be beneficial. The agreement can help to protect your interests and ensure that your rights are respected.
How do I create a Shareholder Agreement?
A shareholder agreement should be drafted by a solicitor with experience in company law. The solicitor can help you to identify the key issues that should be addressed in the agreement, and can advise you on the best way to structure the agreement to meet your needs.
When drafting a shareholder agreement, it’s important to consider the following:
- The structure of the company
- The roles and responsibilities of the shareholders
- The distribution of profits
- The decision-making process
- The transfer of shares
- The resolution of disputes
It’s also important to ensure that the shareholder agreement is clear and easy to understand. The agreement should be written in plain English and should avoid legal jargon wherever possible.
What are the key provisions of a Shareholder Agreement?
As mentioned earlier, the terms of a shareholder agreement can vary widely depending on the needs of the company and the shareholders involved. However, there are some key provisions that are commonly included in shareholder agreements.
These provisions include:
- Restrictions on the sale of shares: This provision sets out the circumstances in which a shareholder can sell their shares, and may require that the other shareholders are given the opportunity to buy the shares first.
- Rights of first refusal: This provision gives existing shareholders the right to purchase any newly issued shares before they are offered to outsiders.
- Vesting of shares: This provision ensures that shares are only awarded to shareholders who have met certain conditions, such as reaching a certain level of performance or remaining with the company for a certain period of time.
- Board composition and decision-making: This provision sets out how the board of directors will be composed and how decisions will be made.
- Transfer restrictions: This provision may limit the ability of shareholders to transfer their shares, and may require that the company approves any transfers.
- Non-compete clauses: This provision may prevent shareholders from competing with the company for a certain period of time after they have sold their shares.
What happens if there is no Shareholder Agreement?
If your company does not have a shareholder agreement, the relationship between shareholders and the company will be governed by the company’s articles of association and the Companies Act 2006.
Find out more about the risks of having no shareholder agreement.