Shareholder conflicts pose significant challenges for businesses, potentially disrupting operations and diminishing shareholder value. Recent economic hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, market volatility and rising interest rates, have contributed to an uptick in shareholder disagreements.

These disputes can have far-reaching consequences, affecting both internal operations and external reputation, sometimes leading to financial performance decline. Common triggers for shareholder disputes include:

• Violations of shareholder agreements or company articles
• Different views on business operations and governance
• Fraudulent activities by shareholders
• Disagreements over profit distribution
• Conflicts regarding exit strategies

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of shareholder disputes, several preventive measures can be implemented:

1. Develop a comprehensive shareholders’ agreement with input from experienced legal and financial professionals.
2. Establish clear succession plans, particularly for businesses anticipating shareholder departures.
3. Create a well-defined governance structure outlining roles and decision-making authority. Clarity concerning the authority to make decisions will help prevent conflict.
4. Incorporate dispute resolution mechanisms in the shareholders’ agreement, such as arbitration or mediation.

Forensic accounting expertise can be invaluable in addressing shareholder disputes. Specialists in this field can assist with:

• Providing unbiased business valuations
• Investigating potential fraudulent activities
• Quantifying losses in damage claims
• Reviewing legal documents for financial accuracy
• Offering litigation support as expert witnesses or mediators

For further information or advice on shareholder disputes, contact Gerald Edelman’s Deal Advisory team.