Company & Shareholder Disputes

Shareholder and director disputes

We handle disputes between shareholders, and between shareholders and management: oppression of minority shareholders, denial of access to records, disputed share transfers and allotments, removal of directors, deadlock between equal owners, and the conduct of general meetings.

Minority shareholders

A minority shareholder is not powerless. Where the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner oppressive to a member or prejudicial to the company, the Companies Act 1994 provides relief through the Company Bench of the High Court Division. Access to records and challenges to improper allotments are often the first practical steps.

For companies and boards

We also act on the other side: defending the company or the board against claims, ensuring meetings and resolutions are conducted properly, and dealing with a shareholder who is obstructing the business.

What helps

• The memorandum and articles of association
• The share register, certificates and transfer documents
• Minutes and resolutions, and filings with the registrar
• Any shareholders agreement
• Financial statements and records of the disputed conduct

Where it is heard, and how long it takes

Company matters under the Companies Act 1994 go to the Company Bench of the High Court Division, while related claims may run in the civil courts or in arbitration where an agreement so provides. These matters commonly take a year or more, and interim orders on meetings, transfers or access to records often shape the outcome early.