Practice Area
Shareholder Disputes
Resolving disputes between business owners — commercially.
Overview
Shareholder disputes are almost always personal as well as legal. Co-founders disagree, family-business generations diverge, minority shareholders feel squeezed. The goal is rarely to win a court battle — it's to get to a fair, final separation.
Trilogy Law Group acts for majority and minority shareholders, directors and companies in disputes about control, value and exit.
What we do
Shareholder Disputes services
Oppression claims
Section 232–234 of the Corporations Act — relief from oppressive or unfair conduct.
Buy-out negotiations
Negotiated exits at independent valuation.
Just-and-equitable winding up
Where the relationship has irretrievably broken down.
Shareholder agreement enforcement
Acting on drag, tag, pre-emption and exit provisions.
Director removal and disputes
Acting in board and AGM-level conflicts.
Family business conflict
Often requiring both legal and mediation-led pathways.
Why Trilogy
Boutique focus. Senior attention.
Our principals personally lead every shareholder dispute matter. You speak with the lawyer making decisions on your file — not a rotation of juniors. From our office on Level 38, 71 Eagle Street, we give Brisbane businesses and families clear advice, fixed fees where possible, and the disciplined process of a top-tier firm at boutique scale.
Common questions
Frequently asked
I'm a minority shareholder being shut out — what are my options?+
Australian corporate law gives minority shareholders meaningful protection against oppressive conduct. Options range from negotiated buy-outs to oppression proceedings and, in serious cases, court-ordered winding up.
What is a 'just and equitable winding up'?+
It is a court order to wind up a solvent company where the relationship between shareholders has broken down so fundamentally that the company cannot reasonably continue. It is a last resort but a powerful one.
How are shares valued in a buy-out?+
Either by the formula in your shareholders agreement or by independent expert valuation. We work with established Brisbane forensic accountants on disputed valuations.
Do these disputes always go to court?+
No — most settle through negotiation or mediation, often after preparation for court has crystallised positions. We aim for the commercial outcome first.
How long do shareholder disputes take?+
Negotiated outcomes can be weeks to a few months. Court proceedings can take a year or more, depending on complexity.