Unfortunately, Business Partner Disputes are extremely common. Unless these disagreements are resolved quickly and effectively, the business survival can be put at risk. Fortunately, Pawlina Law has extensive experience in helping resolve disagreements between partners. Whether operating as a partnership or corporation, Pawlina Law can advise your legal rights and obligations. Most importantly, we can advise you on how to constructively and amicably end a business relationship. More information on how to navigate a dispute can he found here. Should your business partner be stealing from you more information can also be found here.
For every client that hopes to set up a company, I have one client hoping to get out of a company. Business breakups can be messier and uglier than divorces. Many business partners set up their company on nothing more than a hope and a handshake. Often, they lacked funds at the onset of their business to properly document their business relationship. Alternatively, founders thought a dispute was unlikely due to their close personal relationship to their business partners who is often a friend or family member. In either case, there is now a successful business, a dispute that is unlikely to be resolved, and little or no documentation to determine how the dispute should be resolved. Depending on your business structure, there are options available for you. In Ontario, business structures with multiple owners are typically either a Partnership or a Corporation.
Business Partner Disputes
If no company has been incorporated and there is a relation that subsists between persons carrying on a business in common with a view to profit, there is likely a partnership in existence. If there is a partnership, the provisions of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) would govern the relationship between the business partners. Some provisions of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) can be varied by a partnership agreement, which is a contract between partners that lists the rights and responsibilities of the partners. Although typically written, a partnership can be an oral agreement, and would deal with the following matters:
- Firm Name;
- Term of Partnership;
- Percentage and/or Amount of Contribution to Capital;
- Division and Distribution of Partnership Profits;
- Management of the Partnership;
- Retirement, Bankruptcy, or Death of Partner
- Ownership of Intellectual Property;
- Sale and Valuation of a Partnership interest;
- Obligation/Option to Purchase of a Partnership Interest;
- Expulsion of a Partner;
- Voluntary Withdrawal of a Partner;
- Dissolution of a Partnership;
- Admission of a New Partner;
Without a partnership agreement, the following provisions are some of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) that should be considered in a partnership dispute:
- Partners equally share in the capital and profits of the business and contribute equally towards the losses (Section 24(1))
- Partners are bound to render true accounts and full information of all things affecting the partnership to any partner or the partner’s legal representative (Section 28)
- Every partner must account to the firm for any benefit derived by the partner without the consent of the other partners from any transaction concerning the partnership or from any use by the partner of the partnership property, name or business connection. (Section 29)
- Every partner may take part in the management of the partnership business (see s. 24(5) of the Act).
- Any difference arising as to ordinary matters connected with the partnership business may be decided by a majority of the partners, but no change may be made in the nature of the partnership business without the consent of all existing partners. (Section 24(8))
- Consent of all the partners is required for the variation mutual rights and duties of partners, and the introduction of new partners (Section 20 and Section 24(7))
- Partners have a duty not to compete with the firm (Section 30)
- No majority of the partners can expel any partner (Section 25)
- A partnership is dissolved if entered into for an undefined time if a partner gives notice to the other partners of the intention to dissolve the partnership (Section 32)
- Death or insolvency of a partner results in the dissolution of the partnership (section 33(1))
- At the option of the other partners, a partnership may, a partnership be dissolved if any partner suffers that partner’s share of the partnership property to be charged (Section 33(2))
- A partnership is dissolved if the partnership’s business becomes illegal (Section 34)
- On application to the court by a partner, the court can dissolve a partnership (Section 35)
Resolving a Partnership Dispute
If a dispute arises among partners, it is important to try to resolve the matter responsibly which would most likely entail a negotiated resolution. Such a negotiated resolution could involve one party buying the other out or the dissolution of the partnership. A negotiated resolution is useful in preserving the business, limiting legal costs, and saving time.
If there is a partnership agreement, the dissolution of the partnership would occur in accordance with the partnership agreement. Partners would need to carry out the terms of dissolution in this partnership agreement in good faith. In the absence of a partnership agreement, a partner can give notice to the other partners of the intention to dissolve the partnership. Such a decision should not be made lightly, and one should seek legal advice before giving such a notice.
Lastly, partners owe fiduciary duties to each other under common law meaning that each partner must place the interests of the partnership ahead of a partner’s private interests. Thus, upon a dispute arising partners should not steal customer information, clear out bank accounts, or defame one another. Rather, a partner should work to preserve the business to the best of their abilities and seek immediate legal assistance. A partner who breaches their fiduciary duties could face legal action.
Dissolving a Partnership
When dissolving the partnership, it is important to do so in a fair and responsible manner. After the dissolution of a partnership, the other rights and obligations of the partners continue despite the dissolution and each partner can bind the firm so far as is necessary to wind up the affairs of the partnership and to complete transactions started but not completed before the dissolution. The accounting of partnership dealings is to be kept open after dissolution and assets of the partnership ought to be divided between the partners in proportion to their ownership shares in the original partnership.
Former partners continue to owe limited fiduciary duties to one another, mainly the duty to ensure that ongoing transactions are completed, and the assets of the partnership are realized for the benefit of all the partners. Moreover, a partner that takes property for their own benefit following dissolution, such as equipment or client lists, could be liable to their partners as assets of the partnership belong to all the partners. As such, equipment, client lists, and other partnership property, should be divided fairly among the partners. Following dissolution, except as constrained by these limited continuing obligations or by an agreement, former partners are free to compete with one another.
Disputes among Equal Shareholder Directors
One of the most difficult and common business disputes is a business dispute among founders who are equal 50/50 owners (shareholders) and directors of the company. When a dispute arises among equal shareholder directors deadlock ensues which will likely run the company unless corrective action is taken.
When starting a business, founders will commonly incorporate their business to benefit from the many advantages of incorporation. When incorporating their company, they structure the company so that the founders both become directors and equal shareholders. Ideally, the founders would complete a shareholder agreement which is a document that specifies the rights and regulations of shareholders in a corporation. A shareholder agreement typically includes dispute resolution provisions or a buy-sell clause (shotgun clause) which is an exit provision that allows a shareholder to offer a specific price per share to purchase the shares of the other shareholder. Unfortunately, many equal shareholder founders do not complete a shareholder agreement
Unfortunately, Business Partner Disputes are extremely common. Unless these disagreements are resolved quickly and effectively, the business survival can be put at risk. Fortunately, Pawlina Law has extensive experience in helping resolve disagreements between partners. Whether operating as a partnership or corporation, Pawlina Law can advise your legal rights and obligations. Most importantly, we can advise you on how to constructively and amicably end a business relationship. More information on how to navigate a dispute can he found here. Should your business partner be stealing from you more information can also be found here.
For every client that hopes to set up a company, I have one client hoping to get out of a company. Business breakups can be messier and uglier than divorces. Many business partners set up their company on nothing more than a hope and a handshake. Often, they lacked funds at the onset of their business to properly document their business relationship. Alternatively, founders thought a dispute was unlikely due to their close personal relationship to their business partners who is often a friend or family member. In either case, there is now a successful business, a dispute that is unlikely to be resolved, and little or no documentation to determine how the dispute should be resolved. Depending on your business structure, there are options available for you. In Ontario, business structures with multiple owners are typically either a Partnership or a Corporation.
Business Partner Disputes
If no company has been incorporated and there is a relation that subsists between persons carrying on a business in common with a view to profit, there is likely a partnership in existence. If there is a partnership, the provisions of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) would govern the relationship between the business partners. Some provisions of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) can be varied by a partnership agreement, which is a contract between partners that lists the rights and responsibilities of the partners. Although typically written, a partnership can be an oral agreement, and would deal with the following matters:
- Firm Name;
Although business disputes are never fun, Pawlina Law can help you resolve your partnership dispute. - Term of Partnership;
- Percentage and/or Amount of Contribution to Capital;
- Division and Distribution of Partnership Profits;
- Management of the Partnership;
- Retirement, Bankruptcy, or Death of Partner
- Ownership of Intellectual Property;
- Sale and Valuation of a Partnership interest;
- Obligation/Option to Purchase of a Partnership Interest;
- Expulsion of a Partner;
- Voluntary Withdrawal of a Partner;
- Dissolution of a Partnership;
- Admission of a New Partner;
Without a partnership agreement, the following provisions are some of the Partnerships Act (Ontario) that should be considered in a partnership dispute:
- Partners equally share in the capital and profits of the business and contribute equally towards the losses (Section 24(1))
- Partners are bound to render true accounts and full information of all things affecting the partnership to any partner or the partner’s legal representative (Section 28)
- Every partner must account to the firm for any benefit derived by the partner without the consent of the other partners from any transaction concerning the partnership or from any use by the partner of the partnership property, name or business connection. (Section 29)
- Every partner may take part in the management of the partnership business (see s. 24(5) of the Act).
- Any difference arising as to ordinary matters connected with the partnership business may be decided by a majority of the partners, but no change may be made in the nature of the partnership business without the consent of all existing partners. (Section 24(8))
- Consent of all the partners is required for the variation mutual rights and duties of partners, and the introduction of new partners (Section 20 and Section 24(7))
- Partners have a duty not to compete with the firm (Section 30)
- No majority of the partners can expel any partner (Section 25)
- A partnership is dissolved if entered into for an undefined time if a partner gives notice to the other partners of the intention to dissolve the partnership (Section 32)
- Death or insolvency of a partner results in the dissolution of the partnership (section 33(1))
- At the option of the other partners, a partnership may, a partnership be dissolved if any partner suffers that partner’s share of the partnership property to be charged (Section 33(2))
- A partnership is dissolved if the partnership’s business becomes illegal (Section 34)
- On application to the court by a partner, the court can dissolve a partnership (Section 35)
Resolving a Partnership Dispute
If a dispute arises among partners, it is important to try to resolve the matter responsibly which would most likely entail a negotiated resolution. Such a negotiated resolution could involve one party buying the other out or the dissolution of the partnership. A negotiated resolution is useful in preserving the business, limiting legal costs, and saving time.
If there is a partnership agreement, the dissolution of the partnership would occur in accordance with the partnership agreement. Partners would need to carry out the terms of dissolution in this partnership agreement in good faith. In the absence of a partnership agreement, a partner can give notice to the other partners of the intention to dissolve the partnership. Such a decision should not be made lightly, and one should seek legal advice before giving such a notice.
Lastly, partners owe fiduciary duties to each other under common law meaning that each partner must place the interests of the partnership ahead of a partner’s private interests. Thus, upon a dispute arising partners should not steal customer information, clear out bank accounts, or defame one another. Rather, a partner should work to preserve the business to the best of their abilities and seek immediate legal assistance. A partner who breaches their fiduciary duties could face legal action.
Dissolving a Partnership
When dissolving the partnership, it is important to do so in a fair and responsible manner. After the dissolution of a partnership, the other rights and obligations of the partners continue despite the dissolution and each partner can bind the firm so far as is necessary to wind up the affairs of the partnership and to complete transactions started but not completed before the dissolution. The accounting of partnership dealings is to be kept open after dissolution and assets of the partnership ought to be divided between the partners in proportion to their ownership shares in the original partnership.
Former partners continue to owe limited fiduciary duties to one another, mainly the duty to ensure that ongoing transactions are completed, and the assets of the partnership are realized for the benefit of all the partners. Moreover, a partner that takes property for their own benefit following dissolution, such as equipment or client lists, could be liable to their partners as assets of the partnership belong to all the partners. As such, equipment, client lists, and other partnership property, should be divided fairly among the partners. Following dissolution, except as constrained by these limited continuing obligations or by an agreement, former partners are free to compete with one another.
Disputes among Equal Shareholder Directors
One of the most difficult and common business disputes is a business dispute among founders who are equal 50/50 owners (shareholders) and directors of the company. When a dispute arises among equal shareholder directors deadlock ensues which will likely run the company unless corrective action is taken.
When starting a business, founders will commonly incorporate their business to benefit from the many advantages of incorporation. When incorporating their company, they structure the company so that the founders both become directors and equal shareholders. Ideally, the founders would complete a shareholder agreement which is a document that specifies the rights and regulations of shareholders in a corporation. A shareholder agreement typically includes dispute resolution provisions or a buy-sell clause (shotgun clause) which is an exit provision that allows a shareholder to offer a specific price per share to purchase the shares of the other shareholder. Unfortunately, many equal shareholder founders do not complete a shareholder agreement