Drafting or Reviewing Shareholder Agreements.

Legal Advice for Shareholder Agreements

We help companies set clear expectations between shareholders by drafting and reviewing agreements that reduce risk and support long term business success. A well prepared agreement gives structure to your ownership arrangements and helps prevent future disputes.

Why Shareholder Agreements Matter

When a business has more than one owner, a shareholder agreement helps to:

• Define each shareholder’s rights and responsibilities

• Outline how decisions are made and how disputes are resolved

• Provide a framework for exits, capital changes, or share transfers

Having a clear agreement protects all parties and keeps your business running smoothly.

What We Cover

We tailor shareholder agreements to your business structure and goals. Common areas we cover include:

• Decision-making powers and voting thresholds

• Capital contributions and profit distribution

• Dispute resolution processes

• Exit strategies and succession planning

• Share sale or transfer rules

We make sure your agreement is clear, practical and fits how your business operates in real life.

For Startups and Existing Companies

Whether you're launching a new company or reviewing an outdated agreement, we can:

• Explain your options and obligations

• Identify legal or commercial gaps

• Draft an agreement that reflects your company’s needs now and as it grows

We help you set up strong foundations that protect your relationships and investments over time.

Where We Work

We are based in Wellington, with offices in Lower Hutt and Masterton. We advise companies across the Wellington region, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and throughout New Zealand on shareholder and company law matters.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Shareholder Agreements

Why do we need a shareholder agreement?

A shareholder agreement sets clear expectations between owners and helps prevent future disputes. It outlines how the business is managed, how decisions are made and what happens if circumstances change.

What should be included in a shareholder agreement?

Key topics include decision making, profit distribution, share transfers, dispute resolution and exit arrangements. We help you decide what to include based on your business structure and goals.

When should a shareholder agreement be reviewed?

You should review your agreement whenever ownership changes, new investors join or your business priorities shift. We help ensure your agreement stays relevant and up to date.

Can we create a shareholder agreement for a startup?

Yes. It is best to have an agreement in place early. We help startups document ownership, roles and decision making clearly from the start.