SHAREHOLDER & PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT SOLICITORS
Clear agreements between business owners and leaders provides certainty, protects commercial relationships and reduces the risk of time consuming and expensive disputes. Whether you are scaling up, entering into a joint venture or merger, buying or selling a business, bringing in an investor or formalising an existing arrangement, our corporate solicitors can prepare an agreement. HM3 Legal matches advice to your unique situation advising companies, shareholders, partnerships and individual business owners on practical arrangements covering ownership, decision making, shareholder responsibilities and plans to manage changing circumstances.
Associations and Affiliations
We are experienced shareholder and partnership agreement solicitors
Business relationships can change as companies grow, new investment is introduced or the priorities of individual owners develop. Company agreements need to keep pace. A carefully drafted agreement establishes how important decisions will be made and what should happen if disagreements or unexpected events arise (such as retirement, losing mental capacity or being unable to run the business or some other reason).
Our corporate law solicitors will take time to understand your commercial objectives, ownership structure and plans for the future. We can prepare a new agreement, review existing documentation or update arrangements that no longer reflect how the business operates. Company agreements should be clear on processes and who is responsible for certain decisions (solely and collectively).
We can advise you on:
- Shareholder agreements.
- Partnership agreements.
- Limited liability partnership agreements.
- Articles of Association.
- Company decision making processes.
- Voting rights and reserved matters.
- Roles and responsibilities.
- Profit and dividend arrangements.
- Share transfers.
- Bringing new owners into the business.
- Change management including buying and selling, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions.
- Director and shareholder disputes.
- Business succession planning.
- Exit and retirement provisions.
- Minority shareholder protection.
- Deadlock resolution.
- Confidentiality and restrictive covenants.
- Business disputes, mediation and resolution.
Our shareholder and partnership agreement solicitors
Anne Scheland
Partner & Head of Corporate Law
Jessica Cox
Associate
Georgina Anwyl
Senior Associate
Daniela Keogh
Trainee Legal Executive
Our shareholder and partnership legal services
Shareholder agreements
A shareholder agreement sets out how a company will be owned, managed and controlled. It can clarify the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder while establishing procedures for important decisions, share transfers and changes in ownership. Our corporate solicitors can prepare an agreement that works alongside your company’s Articles of Association and reflects the commercial relationship between its owners. We can advise on voting rights, reserved matters, dividend policies, director appointments, funding obligations and access to business information.
The agreement can also address what happens in unfortunate situations if a shareholder becomes incapacitated, wishes to leave or breaches their obligations, or dies. HM3 Legal will help you create clear arrangements that protect the company, balance the interests of different shareholders and provide a practical framework for the future development of the business.
Partnership and LLP agreements
A partnership can exist even when the business owners have not signed a written agreement. Without tailored documentation, default legal rules may apply and produce outcomes that do not reflect how the partners intended to operate. Our solicitors can prepare partnership agreements and limited liability partnership agreements covering capital contributions, profit sharing, management responsibilities, decision making and individual workloads. We can also include procedures for admitting new partners, dealing with absence, removing a partner, managing retirement, or when someone dies.
Each agreement will be drafted around the structure, sector and commercial objectives of the business. By establishing clear expectations at the outset, HM3 Legal can help partners reduce uncertainty, manage workplace change, protect valuable business assets and address potential disagreements before they develop into disruptive and expensive disputes.
Ownership changes and business exits
The departure of a shareholder or partner can create financial, operational and personal challenges for a business. Change is also about the people affected. An effective agreement should establish how an ownership interest will be valued, who may purchase it and how the transfer will be funded. Our corporate law solicitors can draft provisions covering voluntary exits, retirement, incapacity, death, misconduct and breaches of the agreement. We can also advise on compulsory transfers, preemption rights, valuation mechanisms, payment terms and insurance backed arrangements.
As soon as a business is preparing for investment, succession or a future sale, our team can step in (the earlier in the process the better). We can ensure its ownership documents support strategic plans and maximise the potential deal value. Our advice will help you protect business continuity, minimise disruption and create a clear route forward when an owner’s involvement ends or the company’s ownership structure changes.
Our legal offices
Chester
George Street
Chester
CH1 3EQ
Liverpool
Tithebarn Street
Liverpool
L2 2QP
Manchester
Woodlands Road
Altrincham
WA14 1HF
Wirral
Monks Ferry
Birkenhead
CH41 5LH
Reasons to instruct HM3 Legal
Plain English promise.
A jargon and waffle-free zone. Helping you to understand your options and make the right decisions.
No chase pledge.
Peace of mind. Removing the frustrations of wondering where things are up to and what is next.
Fixed fees options.
Removing uncertainty. With fixed fee options and clear pricing we will not land you with a surprise bill.
One central point of contact.
Looking at your needs holistically. Chances are, your business operations do not work in silos so neither do we.
Shareholder agreements key contact: Anne Scheland
Head of Corporate & Commercial
Anne Scheland is a highly experienced corporate lawyer who advises shareholders, directors and business owners on complex commercial matters. With over 25 years’ experience, she specialises in mergers and acquisitions, business sales, management buyouts, reorganisations, employee incentives and shareholder arrangements. Recognised as a Leading Individual in prestigious The Legal 500 publication, Anne is known for her direct, commercial approach and ability to explain complex issues clearly while finding practical solutions that protect her clients’ interests.
Does your business need a clear ownership agreement?
A shareholder or partnership agreement provides more than protection against disputes. It creates a shared understanding of how the business will operate, how decisions will be made and what will happen when circumstances change.
Our approachable corporate law solicitors will work with you to prepare an agreement that reflects your commercial priorities and the realities of your business relationships. We can also review and update existing arrangements following growth, investment or changes in ownership.
Contact HM3 Legal today to help prepare for investment, sale, merger or acquisition or to discuss a shareholder or partnership agreement for your business.
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This year they were asked to make some changes and redraft and set up two LPAs. What they did was to farm out this task to a bunch of total cowboys working out of Manchester or Derbyshire(who knows?). This company has proved to be unprofessional and unbusiness-like (1.6/5 on Trust Pilot!). I asked Hillyer and McKeown (who have been taken over yet again) why this had happened without us being told and not agreeing to this and was told,”It’s what we do now. I can’t give you any more information.”
The “agency” as they are called the company are already not returning phone calls nor acknowledging e-mails…although they’ve taken all our money before we’d even signed a letter of engagement.
I can’t believe this is allowed to happen and will be taking further action. In the meantime they Hillyer and McKeown (HM3 Legal now) won’t be getting any more work from this estate.
Who sub-contracts work to a company with a 1.6/5 rating? Obviously somebody who couldn’t care less about their clients. To say I’m annoyed with them is an understatement !
During my visits to the Chester office, I was always treated well by all members of the team.
All my queries were resolved in a satisfactory manner, and I now have the safe knowledge that my will has been updated.
My only negative is your introduction, in that you addressed me as Barry James. The latter is indeed my middle name, but not my surname..
Deana has been extremely proactive employing her natural communication skills, moving the process forward very quickly, and achieving a swift conclusion. She explained the legal jargon clouding the agreement, putting it into straightforward language. Making it clear to understand, and combined with her most amiable manner, Deana ensured the process was both pleasant and enjoyable, whilst maintaining a highly professional legal service.
I can wholeheartedly and without any reservation recommend the services of HM3 Legal for top notch advice, service and speed.
Thank you.
The advisory team, led by Justine and supported by Megan and Deana, has done a fantastic job. They consistently exceeded my expectations, managed all communication seamlessly, and kept me proactively updated at every stage of my case. Their fee structure was entirely transparent, I was always informed of the costs upfront before any work started.
I would not hesitate to use their services again.
Throughout the last 5 months, Deana has been straight forward in her advice, being true to her word from day one. She is honest, avoids talking jargon and took into consideration the needs of the people involved and their personal circumstances.
The entire team at HM3 have treated us with the upmost compassion and we never once felt overwhelmed with the information and advice we were given. Deana worked at our pace and ensured we never felt pressured. She continually reassured us with our questions and concerns though our the entire relationship.
Highly recommended and thank you so much for all your support. We will always be grateful
Would recommend
I would definitely use HM3 Legal myself and recommend anyone in need of a trusted firm..
She was prompt with communications and kept us informed in the process.
We managed to recover 75% plus of money after more than a year of back and forth.
Thank you.
The whole team are responsive and demonstrate a real desire to provide guidance across a range of disciplines. .
HM3 Legal delivered better service than expected and I would highly recommend them for wills and estate planning.
Robbie Oates was also great at keeping me updated throughout and nothing was too much trouble.
This is not a nice thing to have to go though but thanks to Holly and Robbie, I felt fully supported the whole 2 years 7 months through! I would definitely say they both provided a WOW service.
Ian reviewed the lease promptly, identified the key issues, and explained everything in a clear, concise and easy to understand way. Rather than overwhelming me with legal jargon, he provided practical advice that gave me complete confidence in the decisions I needed to make.
The whole team were professional, responsive and a pleasure to deal with throughout. Their excellent communication and attention to detail made what could have been a complex and time consuming process feel straightforward and stress free.
If you're looking for commercial solicitors who combine first class legal expertise with exceptional client service, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ian Millington and the team at HM3 Legal.
Jill Walker
Managing Director
Indigo Home & Gift
I would highly recommend Clare to any of my peers. Her professionalism was exceptional.
From our initial meeting with Frances, we were informed of the methods and techniques to structure our wills in the most efficient formats.
Frances explained complex legal structures in easy to understand terms and was a pleasure to deal with.
Shannon was excellent with the back office work making sure everything came through promptly and in the right fashion.
Many thanks to everyone at HM3.
Only 4 Stars because we were never notified as to the change from Hillier & McKeown to HM3 Legal.
It was only when we wanted to alter the wills that by good fortune I still had phone number of Hamilton Square. Well done to Ceri for patience and knowhow.
Paul Roberts
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
They kept me informed at every stage, explaining any legal details in a straightforward and accessible way, which made what can often be a stressful experience feel much more manageable. Emails and calls were always responded to promptly, and I felt confident that everything was being handled thoroughly and carefully.
What really stood out was their attention to detail and proactive approach. Any potential issues were identified early and resolved quickly, helping to avoid delays and keep both transactions moving smoothly. We had a few challenges with the sale of our property, but the team provided clear solutions with phone calls to explain next steps and alternative options if we needed them/
I would highly recommend HM3 to anyone buying or selling a property. Their expertise, reliability, and friendly approach made a significant difference, and I would not hesitate to use their services again in the future.
She kept me posted at all times and always returned telephone calls.I recommend her.
They both have been very diligent, responsive and solid in their responses and actions.
I would highly recommend their services. Happy to expand on my experience if anyone would like to know more!
I’m very happy with the service. I would gladly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy legal assistance.
Fees were clearly explained before work commenced and were fair and competitive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ruth and HM3 to anyone seeking expert legal support with personal or family matters.
Shareholder & partnership agreement FAQs
Does every company need a shareholder agreement?
A shareholder agreement is not legally required, but it is advisable for most companies with more than one shareholder. Without one, the Articles of Association and general company law may not address the owners’ specific commercial arrangements or strategic goals. An agreement is particularly valuable where shareholders have different levels of investment, involvement or voting power. HM3 Legal can prepare an agreement that clarifies expectations, protects minority interests and establishes what should happen when ownership or business circumstances change.
What should be included in a shareholder agreement?
A shareholder agreement may cover management responsibilities, voting rights, reserved decisions, dividend policies, funding obligations and procedures for transferring shares. It can also address confidentiality, competition, shareholder departures, valuation methods and dispute resolution. The appropriate provisions will depend on the company’s ownership, sector and future plans. Agreements should work alongside the company’s Articles of Association and other corporate documents and policies. A solicitor can ensure the provisions are consistent, practical and suited to the shareholders’ commercial objectives.
What is the difference between Articles of Association and a shareholder agreement?
Articles of Association are public constitutional documents that establish rules for managing a company. A shareholder agreement is a private contract that can contain more detailed and commercially sensitive arrangements between shareholders. The documents often cover related issues, so they should be drafted to work together and avoid conflicting provisions. HM3 Legal can review both documents, identify inconsistencies and ensure that voting rights, share transfers, director appointments and other important arrangements are properly reflected across the company’s legal framework. This may also include policies and procedures to ensure agreements align.
Why does a business partnership need a written agreement?
Without a written partnership agreement, statutory rules may determine how the partnership operates. These default rules may not reflect the partners’ intentions regarding profit sharing, decision making or departures. This is why tailored agreements are recommended. A written agreement can define each partner’s responsibilities, financial contributions and authority while establishing procedures for resolving disputes. It can also explain what happens if a partner retires, dies or becomes unable to contribute mentally or physically. Clear documentation provides greater certainty, supports strategic planning, and helps protect the business when relationships or circumstances change.
What happens if there is no partnership agreement?
If a general partnership has no written agreement, the Partnership Act 1890 may govern the relationship. Its default provisions can result in partners sharing profits equally, having equal management rights and being able to dissolve the partnership in circumstances the owners did not anticipate. This may create uncertainty or conflict, particularly if contributions and responsibilities are unequal. HM3 Legal can formalise the intended arrangements and create clear rules covering management, finance, partner departures and the future of the business.
