When to Use a Shareholders’ Agreement (2024 Update)

When to Use a Shareholders' Agreement
Table of Contents

Shareholders’ Agreements

A Shareholders Agreement governs the relationship between the shareholders of a company. A Shareholders Agreement is normally created at the beginning of a business venture and is a binding contract that binds the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders.

Key points

  • A Shareholders’ Agreement sets out the terms of the ownership of a company
  • Using this Agreement will clarify terms and help avoid Shareholder disputes down the line
  • All shareholders should agree to the terms and sign the document

What does it cover?

A Shareholders’ Agreement covers many aspects of share ownership, including:

  • Share transfer
  • Management Structure
  • Investment decisions
  • Share sale rules
  • Exit strategies and also warranties
  • Restraint of trade
  • Dispute resolution
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Voting rights, rights and also obligations
  • Dividend Distribution
  • Appointing Directors
  • Confidentiality

Why should my company use one?

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have this document, it is a good idea to have one when there is more than one shareholder in the company. All shareholders sign the Agreement, while it clearly sets out the rights and responsibilities of each signatory. This Agreement can save you time, money and stress should a dispute occur. Further, the terms of this Agreement will prove important where shares ownership is even (i.e. 50/50) and there is a dispute.

Benefits

1. Save time

A Shareholders Agreement results in the smooth functioning of your company, and it is also a highly useful tool in the collaborative management of your company. The agreement provides greater flexibility by allowing contracts to be tailor made to the company’s needs instead of being subject to company law.

2. Save money

Investing in a Shareholders Agreement will save you and your shareholders (members) money in the long term, as disputes can be a costly process to manage. A pre-arranged agreement outlining responsibilities will ensure the company runs smoothly and profitably, and will also provide much-needed clarity and certainty as to what can and can’t be done.

3. Minimise legal stress

A Shareholders’ Agreement will prevent disputes as it outlines clearly the framework in which decisions are made. It will also outline the procedures that may help prevent a dispute or litigation. This can be done through promoting ADR or mediation before Court proceedings can commence. Disputes often arise when members sell their shares or exit the company, and this document can help ensure a smooth transition.

4. Inspire confidence in your company

Having this document shows the world at large that the business is a stable structure. Similarly, this can help you when raising finance from banks or creditors. Your shareholders and other interested parties will legitimise your company by having adequate legal protections in place.

5. Protect shareholder interest

Having a Shareholders Agreement protects the rights of minority shareholders and their investment by allowing a majority percentage of shareholders to be selected to allow amendments to the agreement. This can help you avoid costly legal issues such as Shareholder Oppression (outlined in S 2F.1 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)).

6. Safeguard each shareholder

An Agreement minimises the risk of an individual shareholder’s personal circumstances affecting the company, or other shareholders within the company affecting their financial interest, thus creating a safeguard.

Where to get one

You can customise and download a Shareholders Agreement online in a matter of minutes. It may also be worth hiring a lawyer to ensure your terms are iron-clad and to add any further terms unique to your company. Finally, you will need to ensure all shareholders agrees to the terms and issue the Agreement to new members as they come on board.

Most Popular Articles
You may also like
Recent Articles

Get the latest news

By clicking on 'Sign up to our newsletter' you are agreeing to the Lawpath Terms & Conditions

Share:

Register for our free live webinar today!

Drafting & Negotiating Contracts: Essential Tips to Protect Your Small Business

12:00pm AEDT
Thursday 10th October 2024

By clicking on 'Register for webinar' you are agreeing to the Lawpath Terms & Conditions

You may also like

Thinking about managing your trust using a company as trustee? Read our guide on how to create a corporate trustee structure.
How to prevent yourself as a company director from being personally liable: 101 Guide
Some legal documents require a person's signature to be witnessed. So who can be a witness? Read our guide to find out more.

Thank you!

Your registration is confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox for an email with details on how to watch the webinar.