What this covers
Most private companies run smoothly until the owners disagree. When they do, the questions are usually practical: who can make which decisions, whether someone can be removed or bought out, what information a shareholder is entitled to, and what directors must and must not do.
The answers are found in the company's articles of association, any shareholders' agreement and the Companies Act 2006. I help you read those documents together, identify your realistic options and pursue the one that makes commercial sense.
Who I help
- Shareholders in private limited companies, including minority shareholders.
- Directors who need to understand their duties or are in conflict with fellow directors.
- Owner-managed businesses where the founders have fallen out.
- Companies that need advice on their own rights and obligations in a dispute with a shareholder or director.
I act for one party in any dispute. Where several shareholders or directors are involved, I will carry out a conflict check and explain whom I can and cannot act for before going further.
What is included
- Advice on the articles of association and shareholders' agreements in a dispute.
- Shareholder and director disputes, including deadlock, exclusion and exit negotiations.
- Advice on directors' general duties and on decision-making through board and shareholder resolutions.
- Removal of directors and related procedural issues.
- Advice on unfair prejudice and other remedies, and on whether litigation is proportionate.
- Negotiating and documenting settlements between shareholders.
- Commercial corporate advice on company rights and obligations, within my permitted and insured scope.
What is not included
- Company incorporation and company secretarial services.
- Mergers and acquisitions, share or business sales and purchases.
- Fundraising, investment rounds and other investment transactions.
- Tax advice of any kind.
- Conveyancing or any other work within the scope of the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. I do not currently accept such work. I assess each matter before accepting instructions and will tell you if anything falls outside what I can do.
How a matter usually progresses
These stages are typical. Many shareholder disputes resolve by agreement before any court step.
1. Understanding the documents
I review the articles, any shareholders' agreement, service contracts, board minutes and the relevant correspondence. This usually shows what each side can and cannot do.
2. Strategy
I give you a written view of your position and options: for example, using the mechanisms in the documents, a negotiated exit, mediation or, if necessary, court proceedings.
3. Negotiation
Most disputes between business owners are best resolved by agreement, because litigation is expensive and disruptive to a business that both sides may still depend on. I negotiate on your behalf and document any agreement.
4. Proceedings, if needed
Some disputes, such as unfair prejudice petitions, are complex and costly. I will tell you early whether a matter is within my competence and insurance, and whether it is likely to need a barrister or a larger firm.
Costs
How I charge for corporate and shareholder advice is explained on the fees page. I usually begin with a focused initial review for a defined fee range and give you a written estimate before each further stage. Third-party costs, such as barrister's fees, valuation fees or court fees, are separate and agreed in advance.
How to start
Email info@sadikbugra.com with a short outline, the company name and the names of the other shareholders or directors involved, so that I can check for conflicts. Please do not send documents yet.
After the conflict check, I can offer a free initial discussion of up to 15 minutes, subject to availability, by video or in person in St Albans. It is for understanding the matter and agreeing whether I can help. It does not include detailed advice or document review.
An enquiry does not create a solicitor–client relationship, and I do not monitor deadlines on a matter I have not accepted in writing.
This page is general information about the law in England and Wales as at 26 October 2026. It is not advice on your situation.
Fees
| Initial focused advisory review (commercial, corporate and landlord and tenant matters) | £700–£1,400 estimate for 2–4 hoursNo VAT charged — I am not currently VAT-registered (VAT added only if applicable in future, with notice). Includes
Not included
|
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | £350 per hourNo VAT charged — I am not currently VAT-registered (VAT added only if applicable in future, with notice). Includes
Not included
|
Questions people often ask
Can the other shareholders remove me as a director?
Under the Companies Act 2006, shareholders can remove a director by ordinary resolution at a meeting, with special notice, whatever any agreement says. Removal as a director does not by itself remove you as a shareholder or employee, and it does not take away any right to compensation or damages you may have. Your articles and any shareholders' agreement may also be relevant.
I am a minority shareholder and feel shut out. What can I do?
Start by checking your rights under the articles and any shareholders' agreement, including information rights and any exit or valuation provisions. In some cases, a member can petition the court on the ground that the company's affairs are being conducted in a way that is unfairly prejudicial to their interests. That is a significant step, and negotiated exits are often a better first option.
Do we need a shareholders' agreement?
It is not legally required, but it can deal with matters the articles usually do not, such as what happens if a shareholder wants to leave, falls out with the others or stops working in the business. I can advise on an existing agreement or on the issues a new one should cover in a dispute context.
Can you set up a company for me or act as company secretary?
No. I do not provide company incorporation or company secretarial services.
Can you help with selling my shares or raising investment?
I do not advise on mergers and acquisitions, fundraising or investment transactions, or on tax. I can advise on a shareholder dispute that involves a proposed exit, and I will tell you if a matter is outside my scope.
Are the directors personally liable for the company's debts?
Generally not, because a limited company is a separate legal person. There are exceptions, for example where a director has given a personal guarantee, or in certain situations involving insolvency or wrongdoing. Whether an exception applies depends on the facts.