Shareholder & Partnership Agreement Lawyers

Why Every Multi-Shareholder Business Needs a Shareholders Agreement

If you own shares in a company alongside other people and you do not have a shareholders agreement, you are operating on the Corporations Act default rules — a generic framework that was never designed with your business in mind.

A well-drafted shareholders agreement covers the things that matter most: who makes key decisions, what happens when shareholders cannot agree, how shares can be transferred or bought out, and what exit mechanisms apply when a founder leaves.

At Envision Legal, we draft, review and negotiate shareholders agreements for businesses across South-West Sydney including Campbelltown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Bankstown. We write agreements in plain English that your shareholders will actually read and understand.

What We Cover

• Decision-making and voting rights — what requires unanimous approval vs majority
• Deadlock resolution — Russian roulette, buy-sell or valuation mechanisms
• Share transfer restrictions — pre-emptive rights and approved transfer processes
• Exit events — tag-along and drag-along rights for clean business sales
• Founder vesting — protecting the business if a co-founder leaves early
• Restraints of trade — enforceable post-departure restrictions
• Funding obligations — capital contribution requirements and shareholder loans
• Partnership agreements — for unincorporated business partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a shareholders agreement cost?

A straightforward two-shareholder agreement for a small business typically starts from $1,500 + GST. More complex structures with multiple shareholders, vesting schedules or bespoke exit mechanisms will be priced accordingly. We provide a fixed-fee quote after your initial consultation.

Do I need one if I already have a company constitution?

Yes. A constitution is a public document that must comply with the Corporations Act. A shareholders agreement is private, flexible and can address any issue the shareholders agree is important — it sits alongside the constitution and fills the gaps.

When is the best time to put one in place?

Before you need it. The conversation is straightforward when all shareholders are aligned and optimistic. It becomes significantly harder and more expensive once a dispute has arisen or a shareholder wants to exit without an agreed mechanism.

Can you review an existing agreement?

Absolutely. We review existing shareholders agreements and partnership agreements, identify gaps or unfair terms, and advise on whether amendments are required.