What happens with no shareholders' agreement? With no shareholders' agreement, both the company as a whole and individual shareholders could be exposed to unresolvable future conflict. Without an agreement to clarify the legal standpoint of each party, if a dispute occurs, a deadlock situation could occur.
So, do you need a shareholders' agreement? We think, for the most part, yes. Depending on who you are (majority or minority shareholder), your perspective and needs will determine if you need one. Majority Shareholder: If you are the majority shareholder, you may not need a shareholders' agreement.
Unfortunately, without a Shareholders Agreement in place, there's nothing you can do – they own 50% of the business. What could you have done though? ing to Kyle, you could have put a Shareholders Agreement in place as you launched, and included vesting provisions.
If you do not have a shareholders' agreement, the normal rule is that a majority of the voting shares can elect the board of directors, and the board of directors can do pretty much what they want with the management of the company. Whoever controls the board controls the business.
A shareholder agreement, on the other hand, is optional.
Do we need a shareholders' agreement? It is not essential to have a shareholders' agreement, but every company with more than one shareholder is advised to have one in place.
No notarization or filing of a shareholders' agreement is required.
What to Think about When You Begin Writing a Shareholder Agreement. Name Your Shareholders. Specify the Responsibilities of Shareholders. The Voting Rights of Your Shareholders. Decisions Your Corporation Might Face. Changing the Original Shareholder Agreement. Determine How Stock can be Sold or Transferred.
Drafting shareholder agreements without expert advice could put you at risk of including provisions which may be deemed by a court as invalid.