Shareholder and unitholder agreements
Stable foundation, strong success.
The success and stability of any company or investment structure begins with clarity.
Whether you're launching a business or establishing a unit trust, the right agreements lay the legal and strategic foundation for long-term confidence, collaboration, and control.
Why these agreements matter
Setting up a company or establishing a unit trust involves more than just incorporation or settling the deed — it’s about laying the groundwork for how the structure operates, how decisions are made, and how relationships are managed.
Shareholder and unitholder agreements serve as that foundation, shaping not only your immediate setup but how you navigate challenges, growth, and change over time.
More than just meeting legal requirements
Among the most critical governance tools are shareholders’ agreements (for companies) and unitholders’ agreements (for trusts).
These documents establish a clear, binding understanding between parties that supports:
– Confident decision-making
– Effective dispute resolution
– Robust governance
– Defined control and voting rights
Together, these elements provide the stability and transparency needed to foster trust and enable smooth operations.
Supporting long-term stability
The most successful business and investment structures are built on proactive planning, not reactive problem-solving.
By clearly defining the terms of engagement from the outset, shareholder and unitholder agreements:
– Provide clarity in times of uncertainty
– Protect the integrity of your venture
– Reflect your specific needs and dynamics
Going beyond a constitution
While a company constitution offers a standard governance baseline under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), it rarely addresses the practical realities of ownership, management, and risk.
Shareholder agreements fill these gaps by:
– Clarifying business arrangements and expectations
– Outlining rights, responsibilities, and liabilities
– Customising protections to your structure
By going beyond the minimum, shareholder agreements empower you to build a resilient, transparent, and future-ready structure.
Explore our expertise
Tailored agreement drafting
Creating shareholders’ and unitholders’ agreements aligned with ownership structure and commercial intent.
Negotiation support
Facilitating fair and balanced agreement terms that reflect stakeholder priorities.
Ownership and control structuring
Advising on share classes, unit holdings, transfer rights, and decision-making mechanics.
Exit strategy planning
Designing clear buy-sell provisions for exits due to sale, retirement, incapacity or death.
Dispute resolution frameworks
Providing legal mechanisms for resolving stakeholder disputes with minimal disruption.
Governance and appointments
Guidance on board or trustee appointments, voting thresholds and meeting protocols.
Confidentiality and restraint clauses
Protecting sensitive information and preventing unauthorised competitive activity.
Agreement amendments
Updating agreements to reflect growth, restructuring or changing stakeholder needs.
Enforcement action
Supporting the enforcement of rights and remedies under binding agreements.
Compliance and due diligence
Ensuring all agreements meet statutory, regulatory and governance requirements.
Valued and trusted by our clients
I worked with Yuna as a first home buyer and have been incredibly happy with the support throughout the purchase process.
Communication has been prompt and comprehensive, with Yuna responding to all of my many questions.
The pricing is affordable and Yuna was very transparent regarding costing from the start. I would definitely recommend GLG legal.
Communication has been prompt and comprehensive, with Yuna responding to all of my many questions.
The pricing is affordable and Yuna was very transparent regarding costing from the start. I would definitely recommend GLG legal.
Kiara
Mylee was brilliant as always. Easy stress free transition. Can’t recommend enough!
Nishka Refausse
I highly recommend Mylee On and her team, particularly Linda at the front desk with her assistance regards documentation. They went out of their way to assist. Thanks
Michael Saliba
Highly responsive, quick to act when required, and knowledgeable advice. Thank you Sarah and team.
Paul Sheridan
I found the whole team very efficient at returning phone calls and helping me purchase a commercial premises. They are very well priced and will definitely use again. Highly recommend as they are a pleasure to deal with.
Cyrus Dickie
Great company to deal with, prompt, reliable and efficient.
Stuart Brown
Best solicitors in the business fast efficient and very easy to get along with 100% recommend to everyone.
Corey Bliss
Right from the start, I found Mylee to be very professional, friendly and was always willing to assist with the many questions that I had along the way. Would definitely recommend GLG Legal as a company to help with all your needs.
Marie Atkins
Always Great service and outstanding staff to work with.
Tomas Soner
Outstanding communication.
Cost effective service.
Professionally handled by all employees.
Cost effective service.
Professionally handled by all employees.
John Coughlan
Mylee was efficient and got the job done with no hassles. She identified a few items I never would've picked up and saved me money too. Highly recommend.
Dat Tran
Very prompt, detail and showed unparalleled care towards us as clients
Morgan Tatterson
This is the second time I have used GLG Legal, and again I found them to be very professional, efficient, friendly, cost effective, and easy to work with. I recommend their services.
Rob Pfeffer
Cathy is an amazing lawyer and really knowledgeable regarding Wills, powers of attorney and succession planning. Highly recommend their service.
Stephen Sulewski
Cathy is amazing, it's rare to meet such a knowledgeable, helpful and kind person, it was a delight. I will definitely be dealing with her again for years to come.
Alex Chernov
GLG acted in a timely manner during the whole process. Any time I had a question, it was answered quickly and helped me make any decisions. The whole process from start to finish, including all the forms, was made easier due to their service. I would definitely use them again.
Ros Ward
Fantastic service! Patient and happy to give detailed explanations and advice. Prompt replies to all emails and telephone calls. More than happy to recommend.
Patricia Hannington
I have recently used GLG Legal for all of our off the plan sales legal requirements. Everything went extremely well and they were always available within short notice to discuss and address any of my queries or concerns.
I highly recommend GLG Legal and would definitely use them again for future projects. Also a special shout out to Roslyn for all of her amazing and hard work along the way!
I highly recommend GLG Legal and would definitely use them again for future projects. Also a special shout out to Roslyn for all of her amazing and hard work along the way!
Malamene
A lovely professional team. We were treated with kindness and care.
Lynne Reid
Exceptional service provided. Went above and beyond my expectations. Highly recommend.
Nicole Jayde
I had a very positive experience with GLG legal. My business sale took many twists and turns and extensions but my solicitor at GLG Legal handled it all professionally and efficiently, keeping me informed along the way and being available when I needed.
Sue Watt
The GLG team are highly professional and super efficient.
Anthony McPhee
GLG Legal provided excellent support and helped solve a complex property settlement. Further ideas were created and detailed explanation given when required to clarify my concerns. Their extensive experience and knowledge of property law in Brisbane was highly evident and gave me added confidence throughout the entire process. Thank you.
Dean Boatman
The team at GLG are excellent. Very professional, knowledgeable and thorough. Roslyn easily simplifies the process and outlines the timeframe required for each step of commercial property.
Highly recommend GLG
Highly recommend GLG
Joey Hollis
Selling your café in Brisbane: tips for a...
Selling a café in Brisbane requires more than simply listing the business on the market. Owners should prepare financial records, organise legal documents, maintain strong business performance and present the...
