Shareholders Agreement

 a comprehensive 44-page legal template | 2026 England & Wales compliant | for private limited companies |

suitable for startups and established businesses

Shareholders Agreement Template (England & Wales)

Protect shareholder rights and regulate company ownership with our professionally drafted Shareholders Agreement Template for England and Wales. Designed for company founders, shareholders, solicitors, and corporate advisers, this template provides a clear, legally robust framework governing share ownership, management, decision-making, and exit arrangements.

This UK shareholders agreement template is suitable for private limited companies and covers key commercial issues including share transfers, dividend policy, voting rights, deadlock resolution, and minority shareholder protection. It offers a reliable alternative to bespoke drafting while reflecting best practice under UK company and contract law.

Why Choose This Shareholders Agreement Template?

UK Law Compliant Drafting
Prepared in line with the Companies Act 2006 and established English contract law principles.

Comprehensive Coverage
Addresses ownership structure, management control, funding, dividends, and exit mechanisms.

Professionally Drafted
Reflects solicitor-style drafting used in real UK corporate transactions.

Fully Customisable
Editable format allows tailoring to different share classes, ownership percentages, and company structures.

Time and Cost Efficient
Avoid expensive bespoke drafting while maintaining legal clarity and enforceability.

Who Should Use This Template?

• Company founders setting up shareholder arrangements

• Majority and minority shareholders in UK private companies

• Solicitors and corporate advisers preparing standard shareholder documents

• Businesses seeking to regulate ownership and governance outside the articles

Key Features Included

• UK-compliant shareholders agreement clauses

• Share transfer restrictions and pre-emption rights

• Voting rights and reserved matters

• Dividend policy and funding provisions

• Deadlock resolution and exit mechanisms

• Confidentiality and non-compete provisions

FAQs About Shareholders Agreements

Q: What is a shareholders agreement?
It is a private contract between shareholders governing ownership, management, and exit arrangements alongside the company’s articles of association.

Q: Is a shareholders agreement legally binding in the UK?
Yes. When properly drafted and executed, it is legally enforceable under English law.

Q: Does this template comply with UK law?
Yes. It is drafted for use in England and Wales and aligned with the Companies Act 2006.

Q: Can this be used for startups and established companies?
Yes. The template is suitable for both early-stage companies and established private businesses.

Q: How do I use this template?
Complete the shareholder and company details, tailor clauses as needed, execute the agreement, and retain it with company records.

For a bespoke version of this document ask for a free quote