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A shareholders’ agreement is an arrangement among the shareholders of a company. It contains provisions regarding the operation of the company and the relationship between its shareholders. A shareholders’ agreement is also known as a stockholders’ agreement. It protects both the corporate entity and the shareholders’ investment in that entity.
A shareholders’ agreement is created with the purpose of protecting both the business and its shareholders. It ensures the shareholders are treated fairly. It can also be beneficial to minority shareholders, who usually have limited control over the business operation.
For the shareholders, it outlines what their rights and obligations are and how the shares can be distributed or sold. For the business, it describes how the company will be operated and how significant decisions will be made.
It is optimal to draft a shareholders’ agreement while starting up the company or issuing the first shares. It helps the entrepreneurs or investors to reach a common understanding of what they expect to provide to the business and receive from the business. If investors find it difficult to settle the major conflicts and reach a consensus on a shareholders’ agreement, they may need to reconsider their collaboration relationship.
Investors can also draw up a shareholders’ agreement on a later date; however, their expectations may further diverge as the business operates. It may make it more difficult to reach a consensus.
A shareholders’ agreement is optional. The contents and provisions vary in different cases. The details depend on the nature of the entity, the class of shares, and many other factors. There are basic components that every shareholder’s agreement contains. Examples include the number of shares issued, the issuance date, and the percentage of ownership of shareholders.
Shareholders’ agreements often determine the selling and transferring of shares to third parties. They also illustrate the treatment of shares if a shareholder dies. A pre-emption provision ensures the current shareholders have access to new shares before they can be issued to other potential shareholders.
A shareholders’ agreement also covers details about dividend payments and the distribution of earnings. Regarding the business operation, it contains provisions about the frequency of board meetings and the appointment or resignation of directors. It also outlines how the processes will be for different levels of decision-making.
Many shareholders’ agreements also include competition restrictions and a deed of adherence. The competition and restrictive covenants prevent a shareholder from competing with the company.
For example, they are not allowed to work with a competitor firm in the same geographical area. It is important, as it protects the company and the interests of other shareholders. A deed of adherence ensures new shareholders adhere to the pre-existing shareholders’ agreement.
Minority shareholders are those who own less than 50% of the shares of a company. Since the business operation of most companies follows the majority decision, minority shareholders usually have little control over the business. Laws have been set to protect the interests of the minority shareholders; however, the protection is limited, as it may be costly or practically difficult to enforce.
A shareholders’ agreement can protect minority shareholders. One way is through the provisions that need unanimous approval for certain decisions. As long as one shareholder disagrees, the decision will not be approved, regardless of how much that shareholder owns in the company.
The decisions that are bound by the unanimous approval requirement usually include the issuance of new shares or bonds, change in capital structure, appointment or removal of directors, and changes in major business operations. Despite benefiting the minority shareholders, the unanimous approval requirement also comes with drawbacks. It may slow down the decision-making process and diminish efficiency.
Another provision that can protect minority shareholders is known as the “tag-along” provision. The provision applies when someone offers to purchase shares from a majority shareholder. The shareholder is not allowed to sell unless the same offer is made to all the other shareholders as well, including the minority ones. It ensures the minority shareholders are treated fairly. They should be able to receive the same returns as the majority ones.
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