Shareholder Dispute Lawyers across Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East

It's not uncommon for shareholder disputes to happen within a company, and the team at Newtons are best positioned to resolve shareholder disputes while protecting your interests.

Shareholder Dispute Resolution

A dispute between business owners usually arises as a result of a breakdown in trust, communication or the belief that the interests of the shareholders are no longer aligned.  Having a well-drafted shareholders agreement is normally a good basis for resolving these disputes, but they are not always in place. The parties, having understandably wanted to minimise costs when the business was starting out, believed that their relationship was bombproof, and they would be able to resolve any issues that arose amicably. Sadly this is often not the case, and when a dispute arises between business owners, it can be a difficult and stressful time for all parties concerned.

At Newtons, our expert teamwork to establish the route of the problem efficiently and sensibly, so we can find a quick and amicable resolution.

Protecting the interests of the business is of paramount importance. The first course of action will be to resolve the dispute by negotiation or some agreed form of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation.

Should alternative dispute resolution prove unsuitable, we can provide the necessary guidance and representation in court action, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Read our latest case study to learn how Newtons achieved a multimillion-pound settlement in a long-running dispute after parties were unable to agree on an exit package and a partnership dispute arose over the shareholding and distribution of commercial property.

We can advise on issues including:

• Interpreting your position according to your shareholders’ agreement.
• Where no such agreement exists advising on your statutory rights and obligations as a shareholder.
• Taking action to wind up a company by issuing a petition at court.
• Claims by a minority shareholder, where the business of the company is being conducted in a way that is prejudicial to that shareholder.
• The transfer and valuation of shares in a company.