Shareholder Disputes

Running a company can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging—especially when disagreements arise between shareholders. What might start as a small difference of opinion can easily grow into a full-blown conflict if it isn’t handled carefully. And when that happens, it doesn’t just affect the individuals involved. It can harm the company’s stability, damage its reputation, and drag everyone into an expensive, time-consuming legal battle.

When shareholders fall out, it’s rarely over just one issue. It could be about how directors act, whether to pay dividends, or even how company assets are being managed. Sometimes a dispute arises because one director is seen to block decisions at board meetings, or because there are different opinions about what’s really in the best interests of the company. Disputes between shareholders can quickly get messy, dragging in other shareholders, other directors, and raising big questions about shareholder’s rights and the affairs of the company.

At Peter Shaw Mediation, we help shareholders resolve their disputes through clear, practical mediation. With almost 40 years of experience in business law, commercial litigation, and mediation, Peter knows how to handle these complex, often emotional situations. He offers an alternative that helps you move forward without the stress, cost, and disruption of court proceedings.

So let’s take a closer look at what shareholder disputes are, why they happen, and how mediation can help you deal with them properly.

Simply put, a shareholder dispute happens when shareholders—those who own shares in a company—fall out over how the business is run, who gets what, or what the company’s future should look like. Disputes often arise when there’s a lack of clear communication or when people have different priorities.

You might find yourself in a disagreement over dividends, decision-making rights, company strategy, valuation of shares, or the appointment or removal of directors. Sometimes it’s about breaches of shareholders’ agreements or concerns that someone is acting unfairly or against the company’s interests.

In smaller businesses, disputes can feel even more personal because the shareholders often are also the directors or founding partners. The line between business and personal life blurs, and that can make everything more heated.

Regardless of the size of the company, shareholder disputes are serious. Left unresolved, they can lead to deadlock, damage the company’s reputation, drain resources, and even push a profitable business into failure.

Instead of rushing into costly legal action or court action, alternative dispute resolution through mediation can be a far more effective path. It gives the parties involved a chance to work through key questions calmly and privately, without the risk of damaging the business beyond repair.

Mediation offers a practical, confidential way to sort things out without resorting to litigation. It’s about creating a space where both sides can have an honest, structured conversation, with a neutral mediator guiding the process.

At Peter Shaw Mediation, the goal is not to dig up old grievances or decide who’s right and who’s wrong. The focus is on finding a forward-looking solution that protects both the interests of the shareholders and the future of the company itself.

Peter’s deep understanding of company law, combined with his calm, approachable style, means he can help break through even the most entrenched disagreements. He knows the pressures business owners face. He understands the technical details that can complicate shareholder relationships. And he’s skilled at helping people get to the root of the problem—quickly, clearly, and with minimum drama.

Because mediation is voluntary and private, it often allows for more creative solutions than a court would impose. It also means you stay in control. Instead of having a judge dictate the outcome, the shareholders themselves craft an agreement they can live with.

And let’s not forget the practical side: mediation is almost always faster and cheaper than litigation. It avoids months—or even years—of disruption, legal fees, and uncertainty.

While every dispute is different, there are common themes that Peter regularly helps clients with. These include disagreements about dividend payments, conflicts over management decisions, claims of unfair prejudice against minority shareholders, disputes about the valuation of shares when someone wants to exit, concerns about breaches of fiduciary duty, and arguments about the direction and future of the business.

Peter tailors each mediation to the specific circumstances of the dispute. Sometimes the solution might involve restructuring the business, buying out a shareholder, or agreeing new terms for how decisions are made. Other times, it’s about rebuilding trust and improving communication between shareholders so the business can move forward stronger than before.

Peter Shaw isn’t just a mediator. He’s a trusted advisor and legal professional with decades of experience at the highest levels of commercial law. Recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for his expertise, Peter combines technical skill with a deep understanding of human nature and business dynamics.

He’s calm under pressure, fair to all sides, and known for his clear, practical advice. Peter doesn’t just help you settle a dispute. He helps you find a resolution that makes sense for your future, whatever that may look like.

Whether you’re a majority shareholder concerned about minority claims, a minority shareholder feeling squeezed out, or a business partner facing a breakdown in communication, Peter will guide you through the mediation process with clarity, professionalism, and care.

Moving Forward the Right Way

Shareholder disputes don’t have to end in lengthy legal battles or broken businesses. With the right support, they can be resolved in a way that protects relationships, preserves value, and lets everyone move forward.

If you’re facing a shareholder dispute, or worried that one might be brewing, now is the time to act. Early intervention through mediation can save you time, money, and stress—and give you the best chance of securing a positive outcome.

At Peter Shaw Mediation, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to explore how mediation can resolve your shareholder dispute, or just want to talk through your options, get in touch today. We’ll help you find the path forward with confidence.