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A shareholders’ agreement is a contract between the shareholders of a company that sets out the terms and conditions of their relationship. It is a legally binding document that can help to protect the interests of all shareholders, regardless of their size or stake in the company.

Below are Laceys top 7 benefits to having a shareholders’ agreement in place;

1. Protecting minority shareholders: A shareholders’ agreement can help to protect minority shareholders from being taken advantage of by majority shareholders. For example, the agreement can specify that certain decisions, such as the sale of the company or the appointment of directors, require the unanimous consent of all shareholders.
2. Regulating the transfer of shares: A shareholders’ agreement can regulate the transfer of shares, which can help to prevent the company from being taken over by an unwanted third party. For example, the agreement can specify that shares can only be transferred to approved buyers or that they must be offered first to existing shareholders.
3. Setting out the rights of shareholders: A shareholders’ agreement can set out the rights of shareholders, such as the right to dividends, the right to information, and the right to vote on company decisions. This can help to ensure that all shareholders are treated fairly and that their interests are protected, beyond any protection offered by company legislation.
4. Resolving disputes: A shareholders’ agreement can include a dispute resolution clause, which can help to resolve disputes between shareholders in a timely and cost-effective manner. This can help to prevent disputes from damaging the company or from leading to legal action (which is very costly and time-consuming).
5. Providing clarity and certainty: A shareholders’ agreement can provide clarity and certainty about the rights and obligations of shareholders. This can help to avoid disputes and misunderstandings at a later stage.
6. Encouraging co-operation: A shareholders’ agreement can encourage co-operation between shareholders. This can be especially important in the early stages of a company’s life, when the shareholders are working together to build the business.
7. Protecting the company: A shareholders’ agreement can help to protect the company from being damaged by disputes between shareholders. This can be especially important if the company is seeking to raise capital or attract new investors.

Overall, a shareholders’ agreement can be a valuable tool for protecting the interests of all shareholders and for helping to ensure the success of the company.

If you are a shareholder in a company, or you are considering forming a company or investing in a company, it is important to discuss a shareholders’ agreement with your lawyer. For further information, please contact one of Company and Corporate experts today.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.