Dynamic Business

Starting up a business can be challenging. While it is important to try to get the business up and running as soon as possible, a lot of entrepreneurs fall into the trap of not paying attention to matters that, if left unattended, may cause problems in the future. An example of these sorts of matters is matters that involve legal documentation, such as confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, terms of trade, and partnership or shareholder’s agreements.

The information in this article is for general purposes only and should not be relied on as specific legal advice. Should you have any particular questions please contact your solicitor or contact the author directly.

One of the commonly missed steps in setting up a business is a shareholder’s or partnership agreement. This is used in a situation where there are two or more entrepreneurs working together in a business. Whichever agreement is used depends on the structure of the business, however the best time to prepare the agreement is right at the start of the business, before any disputes arise between the parties.

One of the matters that a shareholder’s agreement deals with is in regard to exiting the business. This may happen due to retirement, disability or even death. In the instance of a shareholder retiring, the shareholder’s agreement may give the other shareholders the option or first right to purchase the shares.

In the instance where a shareholder has passed away, the shares may be of little value to any other party other than the other shareholders. This can result in the shares being sold to other parties at a fraction of what they may be worth. In such a circumstance the shareholders agreement may specify that the other shareholders must compulsorily purchase the shares.

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