Shareholders Agreement Solicitors
Commercial
Protecting Your Business and Your Investment
A shareholders agreement is one of the most important documents any company with more than one shareholder can have. It sets out how the business is run, protects each shareholder’s investment, and gives everyone a clear process for resolving disagreements before they escalate.
At Gurve Legal, our London-based company law solicitors draft bespoke shareholders agreements for founders, investors and growing businesses. Whether you are bringing in your first outside investor, formalising an existing arrangement, or protecting a minority stake, we provide practical, commercially-focused advice.
We never work from a template. Every agreement is built around your company’s specific structure, relationships and objectives.
Our Shareholders Agreement Services
Shareholders Agreement Drafting
We draft comprehensive agreements tailored to your company, covering share structure, decision-making and exit routes from the outset.
- Classes of shares and voting rights
- Board composition and reserved matters
- Pre-emption rights and permitted transfers
- Dividend policy and financial information rights
- Non-compete and confidentiality provisions
Exit and Transfer Provisions
Getting exit terms right at the outset avoids disputes later. We build in drag-along rights, tag-along rights, and clear good leaver and bad leaver provisions, along with fair valuation methodologies for departing shareholders.
Minority Shareholder Protection
Minority shareholders are vulnerable without proper safeguards. We negotiate veto rights on key decisions, board representation, pre-emption rights that prevent dilution, and protection against unfairly prejudicial conduct under Section 994.
Agreements for Investment Rounds
When investors put capital into your business, they will expect robust protections in place. We represent both companies and investors, ensuring the agreement reflects the realities of the deal on both sides. See our startup investments service for related support.
Family and Professional Services Businesses
Family companies often need agreements that address succession planning and the employment of family members. Incorporated professional practices need provisions covering regulatory requirements and indemnities. Our company formations team can advise on structure alongside your agreement.
Shareholder Dispute Resolution
Where relationships between shareholders break down, we resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, expert determination on valuation, or unfair prejudice petitions where court proceedings become necessary.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
Bespoke Drafting, Never Templates
Every company is different, and a generic template rarely protects anyone properly. We draft agreements specific to your shareholder relationships, business model and objectives.
Balanced Protection for All Parties
Whether you are a founder, majority shareholder, minority investor, or incoming shareholder, we ensure fair protection while recognising the legitimate concerns of everyone at the table.
Built for SMEs and Growing Companies
We work primarily with SMEs, owner-managed businesses and growing companies rather than large corporates, so our advice stays practical and proportionate to your stage of growth.
Fixed Fees Available
For many shareholders agreements, we offer fixed fees quoted upfront, so you know the cost before we begin drafting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I legally need a shareholders agreement?
No, it is not a legal requirement. However, without one, disputes are governed only by your Articles of Association and general company law, which often leave gaps.
What is the difference between drag-along and tag-along rights?
Drag-along rights let majority shareholders force a minority to sell on the same terms in an exit. Tag-along rights let minority shareholders join a majority sale on the same terms.
Is a shareholders agreement confidential?
Yes. Unlike Articles of Association, a shareholders agreement is private and does not need to be filed at Companies House.
Can a shareholders agreement be changed later?
Yes, but only with the agreement of the shareholders bound by it, usually requiring unanimous or majority consent as set out in the document itself.
What happens if shareholders cannot agree on a decision?
A well-drafted agreement sets out deadlock provisions in advance. Without one, resolving a stalemate often requires negotiation, mediation, or in serious cases, a court application.
Speak to Our Company Law Team
Whether you need a new shareholders agreement, a review of an existing one, or advice on a dispute, our team is ready to help. Get in touch today for practical, commercially-focused legal advice.