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Shareholder and Director Disputes

"Kingsley Napley LLP is highlighted for its experience in cases involving failed investments, mis-selling, fraud, insolvency and directors' duties"

Legal 500 UK

"Totally dedicated to achieving a result for the client whilst managing expectations and setting realistic objectives in case management."

Legal 500 UK

"Real expertise across all levels, well led and offering practical advice with no histrionics or game playing."

Chambers UK

"The country's premier niche white-collar firm. They're very savvy and understand how the corporate world works."

Chambers UK

"...sensible, realistic view of cases - seizing only the points worth arguing..."

Chambers UK

When individuals fall out in business it can have devastating consequences for the company, partnership or LLP. Our litigation team has extensive experience in resolving business disputes quickly and effectively. We recognise that boardroom disputes can be particularly fraught and stressful and we have the expertise to provide a bespoke service in times of crisis.

We combine advice about our clients’ legal rights and obligations, with strategic expertise, which is critical in any boardroom battle. We advise when and how to litigate or on alternative means of dispute resolution where appropriate, including arbitration, mediation and round table settlement discussions.

We act for shareholders, members, directors and companies (ranging from small privately-owned companies through to PLCs), and partners and LLPs in partnership in a wide range of disputes, including in the following areas:

  • Unfair prejudice petitions for and against minority shareholders
  • Acting for shareholders in relation to breaches of shareholder agreements
  • Bringing and defending derivative actions
  • Earn out disputes
  • Acting on behalf of shareholders to enforce their rights to purchase or sell shares under sale and purchase agreements
  • Breach of fiduciary duty claims for and against directors, partners and LLP members
  • Fraud related disputes for and against directors, partners and LLP members
  • Director misfeasance claims
  • Acting on behalf of directors defending disqualification proceedings
  • Representing individual partners and partnerships in issues arising out of the dissolution and termination of partnerships, including related partnership disputes about property and profit entitlements

Boardroom disputes are not unusual. In 2013, CEDR and the IFC Corporate Governance Group conducted a global survey of 191 directors and board members which revealed that 29.6% of respondents had experienced a boardroom dispute which affected the survival of the organisation and 42.8% reported that conflict had reduced the level of trust between board members.

We recognise that our commercial clients are concerned about the financial consequences of being involved in a dispute. We therefore provide clear costs advice and consider with our clients various litigation funding options. We also help our clients evaluate the commercial benefit of litigation against settlement at all stages of a dispute to enable them to make informed decisions for the good of their business interests.

News and blogs

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Blogs

Paradise, Poison Pills and Panic at the AGM: 1Globe Capital LLC v Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

When ambitions, articles and duties collide

A Tangled Web: Director ties himself in knots, then loses summary judgment battle in breach of duty claim

“Lights. Camera. Action!” – Re Motion Picture Capital and standing for minority shareholders to bring unfair prejudice petitions

The Court confirms the Legal Costs Principle in Shareholder Disputes

Ignorance is bliss? Not for directors!

One hand in the cookie jar: Fraud and directors’ duties in insolvency

Money, money, money: what are directors’ duties in respect of the company’s bank account?

Can a De Facto Director be disqualified as a Director?

Directors’ communications with their solicitors: perhaps not as privileged as you think (Part 2)

The driving force fallacy

Simply Alarming: when might an unfair prejudice petition fail?

Stretching the limits of Directors’ personal liability for torts?

All swans are white….?

Company money should not be used to pay legal costs in disputes between shareholders

Fraud Unravels All?

Liquidation and Fiduciary Duties: No Rest for (the Wicked?) Directors

Unfair prejudice petitions: can a director’s breach of duty bar their claim?

Expert shopping is not for the privileged

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) up for discussion

Case update: Court of Appeal criticises judge for refusing to recuse himself

Professional negligence claims - the breach must cause the loss

Litigation and internal investigations: managing data risks to limit the damage caused by a sudden crisis

Why every company should have a sound understanding of legal privilege issues

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