Company Law and
Regulatory Advice
Share Structures
Even the best laid plans for a company's structure will alter over time.
We can advise you on the creation or alteration of share structures within
your Company to suit your new needs.
This may include shares with limited voting rights, dividend only shares, non-voting preference shares, or you may wish to create a class of shares to be held by your wife/husband or children so that dividends can be paid direct to them to take advantage of their tax allowances. Shares can also be structured so as to distinguish between working shareholders, investor shareholders and employees (under a share scheme).
Allotments and Increases in Authorised Share Capital
You may need to create new shares in order to raise finance. We can advise you on increasing the authorised share capital and the allotment of new shares. We will prepare all the appropriate forms and resolutions that are required, leaving you to run your business.
Company buy-backs
There are very limited circumstances in which a Company can buy back its own shares. It is vital to get the documentation right in such scenarios. We can advise either the Company or the seller of the shares in such matters, including preparing the appropriate resolutions and documentation.
Share Schemes
Employee share schemes (often called share options) provide incentives for your employees, giving them the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from your company's success based on their own performance. Share schemes may help increase competitiveness and productivity and may also be tax advantageous. They can also be used to attract, retain and reward key staff, particularly where it is difficult to meet salary expectations. We regularly advise on a wide range of share schemes and incentives including:
- EMI share options schemes;
- Share incentive plans;
- Unapproved share options schemes;
- Share purchase plans; and
- Phantom share schemes.
For more information please contact David Stevens or Sean O'Riordan
