While many disputes arise between businesses, whether they are public or private companies, partnerships, sole traders, government bodies, NGO’s, quangoes or trusts of various types, problems often arise in connection with the status of the business itself.

Our dispute resolution team is knowledgeable about company law and practice and in the disputes that can arise from it. Working closely with colleagues who specialise in non contentious aspects of company law, our dispute resolution team is well used to making applications to the Chancery Division of the High Court and to the Companies Court.
Shareholder disputes and disputes involving directors arise frequently, in both private and public companies. Minority shareholders in both private and public companies can find that they are at a disadvantage and lose control or feel that they are losing control of the business, that their wishes and ambitions are being ignored or thwarted.

Directors of both private and public companies may find that their co directors or their shareholders are no longer backing them. This can occasionally lead to complete deadlock and the total paralysis of the business to the detriment of all involved. There can be issues with settlors, trustees and beneficiaries under a trust which adversely affect trust companies and the business those companies transact.

Similar issues can arise with partnerships (professional and business). There are some issues exclusive to limited liability partnerships (LLPs). Joint venture partners may disagree and not all of those disagreements can be resolved without recourse to external assistance.

Another major area of corporate dispute is warranty claims arising out of company mergers, acquisitions and other transactions.

Our dispute resolution team acts for shareholders, directors, trustees, beneficiaries, corporations directly and on referrals from other professional firms. Our dispute resolution team works with you to find a fair solution to company and partnership disputes, avoiding litigation whenever possible.

If the dispute is destined for the courts, our dispute resolution team can advise on mediation strategy or negotiations to minimise the cost and damaging effects litigation can have on your company.