Chester · North Wales · England & Wales

Shareholder & Director
Disputes

Disputes between shareholders, directors, and business partners can threaten the survival of a business. We advise on unfair prejudice petitions, director removal, shareholders' agreement disputes, and partnership breakdowns.

Shareholder disputes are complex and expensive. We recommend pursuing a claim only where the value of the shares or loss suffered is substantial — typically at least £50,000 – £100,000. We will give you an honest assessment at the outset.

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England & Wales

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Is your dispute substantial enough to pursue?

Shareholder disputes are among the most expensive civil claims to pursue. They often require expert valuation evidence, complex disclosure, and lengthy proceedings. As a general guide, we would not usually recommend pursuing a shareholder dispute through the courts unless the value of the shares or the loss suffered is at least £50,000 – £100,000. We will give you an honest assessment of whether your dispute is worth pursuing at the initial advice stage.

What We Handle

Types of shareholder and director disputes

Unfair prejudice petitions

Where the majority shareholders are conducting the company's affairs in a way that is unfairly prejudicial to the minority — including exclusion from management, failure to pay dividends, and misappropriation of assets.

Shareholders' agreement disputes

Disputes arising from the terms of a shareholders' agreement — including breach of pre-emption rights, drag-along and tag-along provisions, and deadlock provisions.

Director removal and disqualification

Disputes about the removal of a director from office — whether by the board or by shareholders — and the consequences for their shareholding and employment.

Partnership disputes

Disputes between partners in a business partnership or LLP — including profit sharing, the conduct of the business, and the dissolution of the partnership.

Injunctive relief

Urgent applications to freeze assets, prevent the transfer of shares, or restrain a director from acting — where immediate court intervention is required.

Share valuation disputes

Disputes about the value of shares — whether on a buy-out, a compulsory transfer, or in connection with a shareholders' agreement.

Indicative Fees

What does a shareholder dispute cost?

Shareholder disputes are among the most expensive civil claims. The table below gives indicative ranges for each stage — but costs depend heavily on the complexity of the case.

All fees are exclusive of VAT (20%). Court fees and expert witness fees are additional disbursements.

Stage	Indicative Fee	Notes
Initial advice & case assessment	£300 – £600 + VAT	Fixed fee. Written advice on merits, options, and indicative costs.
Pre-action correspondence	£600 – £1,800 + VAT	Formal letters and negotiation before proceedings are issued.
Unfair prejudice petition (preparation)	£3,600 – £7,200 + VAT	Preparing and issuing a petition under s.994 Companies Act 2006. Court fees additional.
Mediation (preparation + attendance)	£1,200 – £2,400 + VAT per party	Many shareholder disputes settle at mediation. Mediator fees are additional.
Injunctive relief (urgent applications)	£2,400 – £6,000 + VAT	Urgent applications to freeze assets or prevent actions. Court fees additional.
Full High Court proceedings	£9,600 + VAT (indicative)	Complex shareholder disputes. Time-based billing applies. Costs are difficult to predict.
Settlement negotiation and agreement	£600 – £2,400 + VAT	Negotiating and documenting a settlement — including share purchase agreements.

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for shareholder disputes. All fees are exclusive of VAT (20%). Court fees and expert witness fees are additional. We will provide a written cost estimate before any work begins. Payment arrangements are available — please ask.

Your Shareholder Disputes Solicitor

Speak to Alex Bailey

Shareholder Disputes & Commercial Litigation

Alex Bailey

Solicitor — Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Alex qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has extensive experience advising shareholders, directors, and business partners on disputes across England and Wales. He provides an honest assessment of the merits and likely costs — and always explores whether early resolution is achievable before recommending court proceedings.

Call 01244 757352 Send an Enquiry

Tell Us About Your Dispute

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Complete the form below and Alex Bailey will review your details and be in touch. No obligation — we will give you an honest assessment of whether your dispute is worth pursuing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about shareholder disputes

What is an unfair prejudice petition?

An unfair prejudice petition is a legal remedy available to shareholders under s.994 of the Companies Act 2006 where the company's affairs are being conducted in a manner that is unfairly prejudicial to the interests of some or all shareholders. Common examples include: exclusion from management, failure to pay dividends, misappropriation of company assets, and breach of a shareholders' agreement. The court can order a wide range of remedies, including requiring the majority to buy out the minority shareholder at a fair price.

What is the minimum value of dispute worth pursuing?

Shareholder disputes are complex and expensive to pursue — they typically involve significant legal costs and often require expert valuation evidence. As a general guide, we would not usually recommend pursuing a shareholder dispute through the courts unless the value of the shares or the loss suffered is at least £50,000 – £100,000. Below that level, the legal costs are likely to approach or exceed the value of the claim. We will give you an honest assessment at the outset.

Do you offer no-win, no-fee for shareholder disputes?

We do not ordinarily offer no-win, no-fee for shareholder disputes. These cases are complex, often require expert valuation evidence, and the costs are difficult to predict. We provide clear written cost estimates before any work begins and are happy to discuss payment arrangements in appropriate cases.

What is a shareholders' agreement and why does it matter?

A shareholders' agreement is a private contract between the shareholders of a company that sets out their rights and obligations. It can cover matters such as: how shares can be transferred, what happens if a shareholder wants to leave, how decisions are made, and what happens on a deadlock. A well-drafted shareholders' agreement can prevent many disputes from arising — and provides a clear framework for resolving them if they do.

Can I be forced out of my own company?

In general, a shareholder cannot be forced out of a company without their consent unless the articles of association or a shareholders' agreement provide for compulsory transfer of shares in certain circumstances. However, majority shareholders can make life difficult for minority shareholders — for example, by removing them as a director or refusing to pay dividends. If you are being unfairly treated as a minority shareholder, you may have a remedy under the unfair prejudice provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

Do you advise clients in North Wales and across England?

Yes. We act for clients across England and Wales — including North Wales (Wrexham, Flintshire, Deeside, Denbighshire), Central England (Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Leicester), and nationally. The majority of our shareholder dispute work is conducted remotely — no office visit is required.

What is a partnership dispute?

A partnership dispute arises between partners in a business partnership — whether a traditional partnership, a limited liability partnership (LLP), or an informal business arrangement. Common disputes include: disagreements about profit sharing, the conduct of the business, the admission or expulsion of partners, and the dissolution of the partnership. We advise on all types of partnership disputes, including those where there is no formal partnership agreement.

Facing a shareholder or director dispute?

Speak to Alex Bailey for an honest assessment of your position — merits, costs, and the best route to resolution.

No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly. Payment arrangements available.