Our Expertise

Shareholder Agreements & Disputes

Expert Legal Problem Solvers

Extensive Professional Industry Experience

Strategic & Tactical Legal Advisory Services

Shareholder Dispute Solicitors

Over 10 years of experience.

The commercial barristers at Mercantile Barristers can advise on all forms of shareholder dispute resolution and agreements arising out of all business transactions, from investment to Joint Ventures (“JVs”) and from start-ups to mergers. Due to the likelihood of disagreements, it is prudent not to leave matters to chance and you should therefore contact our shareholder dispute solicitors.

Why Choose Us

Our Direct Access Barristers

Multifaceted & Interdisciplinary

Our barristers in London are cross qualified so you don’t have to go from one solicitor’s office on the High Street to barristers’ chambers at the Inns of Court.

Excellent Value

A barrister usually has lower overheads, so this will usually be more economical than retaining the solicitor alone and will cost less than instructing both.

Maximum Efficiency

You get the earliest possible direct access to the specialist – not just when a problem gets to Court. This could save you the headache, heartache and expense of avoidable litigation.

Full Transparency

You will normally know in advance the basis upon which the work will be charged, as well as your advisors view on likely prospects of success.

How we're different

Value Adding Approach

Our Approach

Our approach to legal practice is always to articulate creative and value-adding solutions for clients whilst delivering timely, efficient, and affordable professional services. All clients conduct their affairs within a legal context, and Mercantile Barristers’ role is to advise on the conduct of their transactions and affairs in ways that avoid conflict and disputes.

Mercantile Barristers - Process of Lquidation

Swift & Decisive

Whether by adjudication, arbitration, or litigation, Mercantile Barristers members will adopt a firm, swift and decisive approach to achieve the best possible results for clients within the shortest time. We recognise that no two cases are the same, so we will adapt our style to suit the occasion.

Company & Commercial Law

Case Studies

Company & Commercial Law Case Studies

View Case Studies

View all Case Studies

Company & Commercial Law

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore all FAQs

Can shareholder agreements be amended?

Typically, shareholders and partners must have a unanimous agreement to change the agreement.

Can shareholder agreements be flexible?

Shareholder's agreements can be flexible and cover a plethora of matters which are of relevance to your business. No two companies are the same, and it is therefore vital if the agreement is to be of value to have an agreement tailored to meet each company's particular concerns and structure. Our barristers will understand your company’s specific requirements, so your agreement is drafted to suit you.

Shareholder Agreement Drafting
Shareholder Agreement Advice
Business Partnership Drafting Agreements
Dispute Resolution – Partnership Disputes
Business Partners LLP Disputes
Arbitration and Litigation
Business Transactions Sales, Mergers, Exits, Conversions
End Business Partnership or LLP
Joint Venture Disputes

Is a shareholder agreement enforceable?

It is a legally enforceable contract stipulating what will occur if the contract is broken.

What is a shareholder’s agreement?

Unlike the company’s articles of association, a shareholders’ agreement is a private document, enforceable in the same way as any other contract and therefore is not available to the public via Companies House.

A shareholders’ agreement can be entered between all or a selection of shareholders in a company. Such agreements can regulate the relationship between the shareholders, the management of the company, ownership of the shares and the protection of the shareholders.

What is an unfair prejudice petition?

Under the Companies Act 2006 under section 994, a shareholder can bring an unfair prejudice petition if they feel one of the below is occurring

The company's affairs are being conducted unfairly and unfairly with the interests of shareholders (some of them).
An act or proposed act or omission is committed by the company itself.

This can then escalate and become a matter for the courts if the petition is well founded, which can lead to orders to regulate the conduct of the company’s affairs or authorise civil proceedings in the name or on behalf of the company.

What matters are usually dealt with in a shareholder’s agreement?

Matters usually dealt with within shareholders’ agreement range from policies on dividends and transfer of shares; disputes between shareholders; protection of minority shareholders; restrictive covenants; rights and liabilities upon a company sale; shareholders’ rights to appoint directors; transfer of shares and share valuation after that; and many more.

When is a shareholder agreement useful?

A shareholders’ agreement is principally beneficial where the directors and shareholders of a limited company are the same people, as company law assumes that all companies are run by a board of directors who are not necessarily shareholders of the company.

View all

Make an Enquiry

+44 (0) 20 3034 0077

Make an Enquiry