Welcome to our October edition of Owner Managed Business update.
Managing Shareholder expectations and avoiding disputes
In a company listed on a market such as AIM the shareholders are usually many, unknown to each other and primarily focused on making a return on their investment. The fact that the shares are traded on a public market ultimately allows a dissatisfied investor a means of exit through the disposal of their shares. In private companies however, particularly small and medium sized companies, the position can be very different. The company's shares are often owned by family, friends and business associates as well as external investors. There can be a blurring of lines as shareholders are also directors or employees and it can be difficult to separate the personal from the professional as issues in one area of life can spill over into another.
Shareholder disputes can be distracting for management as well as distressing for the shareholders involved. In this article we share our experience of the common causes of such disputes along with our thoughts as to how they can be avoided, or at least addressed as painlessly as possible.
Disputes
The issues can vary from business to business but the most common issues that we see underlying disputes between shareholders are:
- Perceived imbalance between responsibilities and/or dividends received (particularly in the context of owner managed businesses where some shareholders may be actively involved and others may be passive);
- Disagreements over the direction of the company, particularly if the shareholdings are equal (i.e. there is deadlock);
- Differing expectations regarding further investment / taking profits;
- Circumstances change, e.g. share ownership ends up outside of the original founders due to death or divorce;
- Conflicts of interest between shareholders and/or the company; and
- Majority shareholders running the company in a way that unfairly prejudices the minority shareholders, e.g. benefiting themselves by taking out 'profit' as directors' fees while keeping the dividend low.
The best means of resolving a dispute is to avoid it arising in the first place and we comment on that further below. However, if a dispute has arisen, try dialogue first to reach an agreed solution. If matters end in proceedings these will typically be one or more of the following:
a) a claim in contract for breach of a shareholders' agreement (remedy is most likely to be damages but if there is an express mechanism in the agreement to deal with default could involve the compulsory disposal of defaulting shareholder's shares); or
b) a claim that the affairs of the company are being managed in a way which is unfairly prejudicial to the shareholders generally, or some part of them (s994 Companies Act 2006) (the most likely remedy being that the complaining shareholder is bought out); and/or
c) a petition to have the company wound-up (s122 (1) (g) Insolvency Act 1986) (which if successful would see the company wound up).
The actions outlined at b) and c) can be complicated and uncertain in outcome (for all parties involved) but may be the only avenue open to an aggrieved shareholder.
Setting expectations
It creates much greater certainty and reduces the scope for dispute later if the shareholders are clear as to their rights and obligations from the outset.
The relationship between the shareholders and their company is primarily regulated by the company's articles of association but this can be quite a basic document, particularly where the company is established using the statutory 'Model Articles'. It is therefore a good idea at certain points - such as the injection of more equity by the existing shareholders or the introduction of new shareholders - to consider what the company needs and what the shareholders' expectations are. This can then be reflected in a new or updated shareholders' agreement or changes to the articles of association.
Common areas of dispute such as regarding long term investment, whether shareholders will be expected to provide further funding and dividend policy can be set-out in the shareholders' agreement. This will often be supplemented by a rolling business plan. The shareholders' agreement can also address whether particular shareholders should have a right to appoint a director, as opposed to being voted on by the board / shareholders. It is also a good idea to address the ability to transfer shares, for example:
a) allow transfers to family members / associated companies without needing consent (this can assist with inheritance and tax planning);
b) requiring a re-transfer if a transferee ceases to be within the definition of family or associate, e.g. following a divorce;
c) for other transfers give all other shareholders a pre-emptive right to buy the shares; and
d) consider compulsory transfer provisions if a shareholder is in default.
Consider whether all shareholders should be treated equally and if not expressly address that. Those who are actively engaged in the business may feel that they should have an enhanced right to dividend as well as their salary. However a passive investor may consider that they could have invested their funds elsewhere, at lower risk, and therefore that they should enjoy enhanced rights to dividends or return of capital. Either approach could be managed by creating different classes of shares with differing rights.
A significant number of shareholder disputes that we see involve minority shareholders who feel disenfranchised by the acts of the directors or majority shareholders. Including a reserved matters list, i.e. a list of decisions by the company that require a higher than usual percentage vote, can be helpful for all involved. From the board's perspective they will be aware that certain matters will require wider consensus and for minority shareholders they have the comfort of knowing that their vote can count on bigger issues. Examples of typical reserved matters may be the introduction of a new shareholder; the disposal of a material part of the company's business or assets or incurring significant borrowings.
Learn more
In summary many disputes could be avoided if all parties understand their roles and if expectations amongst shareholders are aligned. In some respects that is particularly important for owner managers who need to understand the parameters around what they can and cannot do without seeking shareholder consent.
If you are thinking about putting a shareholders' agreement in place, or you believe that your rights as a shareholder are being ignored, please contact one of our owner managed business team for an informal chat.
