Shareholders and post-acquisition disputes

Are you facing a dispute between current or former partners or a post-acquisition dispute? We represent you in demand or in defence.

Preventing and Resolving Shareholder Conflicts and Post-Acquisition Disputes in France

Shareholder conflicts and post-acquisition disputes are among the main sources of business litigation. Poorly managed, these disagreements can weaken the company, paralyze its governance, and lead to significant financial and human costs.

What is a shareholder conflict?

A shareholder conflict arises when the partners of a company can no longer agree on strategy, management, or profit distribution. These tensions can quickly escalate into a deadlock for the company.

Examples of shareholder conflicts:

  • shareholders disagree on the company’s international expansion
  • a minority shareholder is excluded from strategic decisions
  • a minority shareholder blocks key decisions for the company’s growth
  • former shareholder challenges their exclusion

What is a post-acquisition dispute?

During a merger or acquisition, the buyer may discover, after signing, elements that were not disclosed or were poorly assessed during the due diligence phase. These disputes can have a major financial impact on both the seller and the buyer.

Examples of post-acquisition disputes:

  • buyer discovers accounting errors after the sale that affect the final price and refuses to pay the agreed amount
  • seller concealed, minimised, or failed to disclose existing disputes or legal proceedings involving the target company
  • former shareholders of the target company have set up a competing business in violation of their non-compete obligation

Why consult a business litigation lawyer?

Shareholder conflicts and post-acquisition disputes can destabilize your company and jeopardize its growth. Whether it’s a governance dispute, a disagreement between partners, or a conflict arising from the acquisition or sale of shares, it is essential to act quickly and effectively.

Contact us today for a personalized quote and to protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of shareholder or governance conflicts?

Shareholder conflicts often arise from:

  • divergences in strategy: disagreements over the management and direction of the company
  • shareholders conflicts: personal disputes between shareholders affecting the company’s operations
  • breaches of the articles of association or a shareholders’ agreement: failure to comply with voting agreements, majority rules or meeting notice requirements
  • exclusion of a shareholder: disputes relating to the forced removal of a shareholder

What are the main causes of post-acquisition litigation?

Post-acquisition disputes are often linked to disagreements over:

  • price adjustment clauses: challenges to the calculation of the final price based on closing accounts
  • representations and warranties: discovery of hidden or undeclared liabilities by the seller
  • non-compete clauses: breach of a non-compete obligation by the seller