Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Many of the most successful small and medium-sized businesses are founded on a strong relationship between two or more partners or shareholders. But if the relationship breaks down, the consequences can be devastating and it is rarely sensible for those involved to sort out the problem themselves. If not resolved quickly and decisively, company or partnership disputes can sap business resources and focus.
That’s where Osborne Clarke can help. We have been helping people resolve company and partnership disputes for many years. We have a reputation for working with those involved to find practical solutions, which - as far as possible - meet the commercial and personal objectives of the parties, without damaging the underlying business.
For example, we can advise you on minority shareholder claims for unfair prejudice and on winding-up on just and equitable grounds. We are also experienced in managing shareholder activism, restraining disaffected former employees (including obtaining injunctions where appropriate to restrain breaches of confidentiality or other restrictive covenants) and general corporate governance issues.
It is inevitable that some disputes end up in Court, but we promote solutions such as mediation or negotiation so that costly litigation can be avoided, wherever possible. Clients value our shareholder dispute mediation service, which focuses on resolving disputes early, without going to Court. Whatever technique we adopt, clients can rest assured that we will handle the dispute with sensitivity, based on a strong commercial understanding of the business and a clear analysis of the legal framework.