Peterborough office
48 Broadway, Peterborough Cambridgeshire, PE1 1YW
01733 346 333 01733 562 338 enquiries@hegarty.co.ukStamford office
10 Ironmonger Street, Stamford Lincolnshire, PE9 1PL
01780 752 066 01780 762 774 enquiries@hegarty.co.ukOakham office
66 South Street, Oakham Rutland, LE15 6BQ
01572 757 565 01572 720 555 enquiries@hegarty.co.ukMarket Deeping office
27a Market Place, Market Deeping, PE6 8EA
01778 230 120 01778 230 129 enquiries@hegarty.co.ukProtect your business, secure your company’s future, and prevent costly disputes with professionally drafted and tailored shareholder agreements from Hegarty.
At Hegarty, we help shareholders’ safeguard their interests with robust, tailored shareholders’ agreements. Whether you’re launching a new business or scaling an existing one, having a clear, enforceable agreement between shareholders is essential to your company’s success and stability.
A shareholders’ agreement is a legal contract between the shareholders of a company that outlines:
The agreement works alongside your company’s articles of association, providing a detailed framework to guide internal relationships and protect all parties involved.
Without a shareholders' agreement, your business may be exposed to unnecessary risk. Here's how a well-drafted agreement protects and empowers your company.
1. Prevents Disputes
Clear roles, responsibilities, and voting structures reduce the chance of internal conflict.
2. Protects Minority Shareholders
Ensures fair treatment and includes safeguards like tag-along and pre-emption rights.
3. Controls Share Transfers
Avoids unwanted outsiders gaining ownership with provisions like a right of first refusal.
4. Supports Business Continuity
Plans ahead for exits, succession, or shareholder departures without disrupting business operations.
5. Provides Clarity
Gives legal backing to decisions and sets expectations, reducing ambiguity and risk.
As corporate law specialists, we understand the catastrophic impact these situations can have on even the most successful businesses. A well-crafted agreement acts to mitigate your risks.
The earlier you implement a shareholders’ agreement, the better positioned you are to manage risk and maintain control. However, implementing a shareholders' agreement at any time is better than not at all.
Tailored Legal Support For Your Company
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our experienced corporate lawyers will work closely with you to draft an agreement that reflects your business goals, protects your interests, and strengthens your shareholder relationships.
Our skilled corporate specialists have drafted numerous shareholders' agreements across various industries, providing us with insights into the unique challenges your business might encounter.
Get in touch today to speak with our corporate legal team about putting the right shareholders’ agreement in place.
Starting from scratch? We will draft and tailor a shareholders’ agreement designed specifically for your business needs.
Starting from £1,500 +VAT (20%)
Do you have doubts about whether your current shareholders' agreement truly aligns with your business goals and meets legal requirements? Let's explore how we can ensure it provides the protection and framework you need for success.
Fixed fee: £400 +VAT (20%) (up to 5 pages)
Don't let conflicts or misinterpretations among shareholders hinder your progress. Seek our expert help to resolve disputes and gain clear insights, empowering your team to confidently move forward.
While both documents govern how your company operates, articles of association are public documents filed with Companies House. A shareholders’ agreement is private, more flexible, and can address confidential matters like dispute resolution, share valuation methods, and dividend policies.
No, shareholders’ agreements aren’t legally required. However, operating without one exposes your business to significant risks and potential disputes that could be easily avoided. It’s considered essential best practice for any company with multiple shareholders.
The cost varies depending on your business complexity and specific requirements. At Hegarty, we offer transparent, pricing starting from £1,500 +VAT(20%) for standard agreements. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your needs.
While template agreements are available online, these rarely address the specific needs of your business and may contain provisions that aren’t appropriate or that miss critical areas. Professional legal advice ensures your agreement is comprehensive, enforceable, and tailored to your specific circumstances.
Without a shareholders’ agreement, there are few restrictions on share transfers. A well-drafted agreement can include provisions like a right of first refusal, ensuring existing shareholders have the first opportunity to purchase shares before they’re offered to outside parties.
We recommend reviewing your agreement every 2-3 years or whenever significant business changes occur, such as new investment, changing business direction, or adding/removing shareholders.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable to disputes, deadlocks, and uncertainty. Our corporate law specialists are ready to help you create a shareholders’ agreement that protects your interests and provides a clear framework for success.