What happens if a shareholder refuses to sell?

Asked by: Jayson Schuppe  |  Last update: August 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (14 votes)

If your shareholder refuses to sell despite having the right, your company can use a power of attorney. Directors can enforce a sale, following specific powers outlined in the shareholders agreement or ESOP rules.

Can a shareholder refuse to sell?

Under the Model articles of association, there is no statutory provision that enables any one party to force a company shareholder to sell their shares. However, if certain circumstances necessitate the removal of a shareholder, there are several potential ways to achieve the desired outcome. We discuss these below.

Can I force a shareholder to sell their shares?

Majority shareholders can compel minority shareholders to sell through shareholder buyouts. It's possible through a buy-sell agreement, cross-option agreement, share buyback, or other valid contract. These provisions trigger in certain circumstances, such as when a shareholder dies, files for bankruptcy or divorces.

Can you force an investor to sell their shares?

No specific statutory provision under the model articles can force shareholders to sell their company shares. However, certain circumstances may result in the removal of the shareholder. Forcing a shareholder out of the company can be tricky, but you can achieve this in several ways.

How do I force a shareholder to remove?

If the minority shareholder holds less than 25% shares, a vote can take place and so long as there is a 75% majority, the company can pass a special resolution to wind up the company. If the company is still solvent then you will need to start the members voluntary liquidation process.

Can a majority of shareholders force the minority shareholders to sell their shares?

30 related questions found

What happens if a shareholder wants to leave?

What happens when a shareholder leaves a company? When a shareholder leaves a company, the remaining members of the company must determine the value of the interest of the shareholder leaving. If there is no plan in place, the company must negotiate in order to buy out the leaving member of the company.

Can you force a buyout of a shareholder?

Through a buy-sell agreement, it is possible for the majority to compel minority shareholders to sell their shares. This commonly occurs in cases of company-wide buyouts where there is a need for a forced buyout of all or certain shares held by minority shareholders.

What if a shareholder refuses to sell shares?

If your shareholder refuses to sell despite having the right, your company can use a power of attorney. Directors can enforce a sale, following specific powers outlined in the shareholders agreement or ESOP rules.

Can you refuse to sell to an investor?

Can I refuse to sell my house to an investor? Absolutely. No matter the circumstance, you are the final say behind your deal. If you choose to not sell your home to a cash home investor, that's your call and it's perfectly fine.

Can you transfer ownership of stock without selling?

People can transfer shares of stock they already own to others, or purchase new stocks and transfer ownership to a recipient of their choice. Givers can gift shares of stock they already own by transferring them to a recipient's account.

On what grounds can you remove a shareholder?

Misconduct: Shareholders can be removed for engaging in fraudulent activities, misusing company assets, or harming the company's reputation. Failure to meet obligations: Not meeting financial obligations, such as non-payment for shares issued and failure to meet cash calls can be grounds for removal.

Can a company refuse to sell shares to someone?

Can my corporation restrict the shareholders' right to sell their shares to whomever they please? Shareholders in corporations generally have the right to transfer their shares to whomever they please.

How to exit a shareholder?

Some of the most commonly used exit mechanism for shareholders of companies include initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and management buyouts. IPO is a process by which the shares of a privately owned company are listed on a stock exchange and made available for purchase to the general public.

What happens if nobody wants to sell a stock?

When there are no buyers, you can't sell your shares—you'll be stuck with them until there is some buying interest from other investors. A buyer could pop in a few seconds, or it could take minutes, days, or even weeks in the case of very thinly traded stocks.

Do shareholders have to approve a sale?

§§251 and 271) generally provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of a company's shares is required for its merger or a sale of all or substantially all of its assets. [3] See NYSE Listed Company Manual Rule 312.03 and NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635.

What happens when 50/50 shareholders disagree?

Shareholder dead lock

If you don't have terms in a shareholder agreement or the company's Articles of Association for resolving disputes, a disagreement means that the company is in dead lock and cannot take action until the matter is resolved. If communication breaks down completely, the company cannot act at all.

Can you refuse to sell shares?

A Shareholder cannot generally be forced to sell shares in a company unless you have either agreed to a process resulting in that outcome, or the court orders that outcome.

Is it illegal to refuse to sell to someone?

Federal and state laws only allow business owners to refuse service for certain reasons. Therefore, if you are not violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or similar federal or state laws, you may have a nondiscriminatory reason for declining service to certain customers or clients.

Can investors get their money back?

If the business is successful, investors may be able to recoup their funds through profits, dividends, or even the sale of the business. However, if the business does not succeed, there is a risk that the investor may not recover their initial investment.

How to force a shareholder to sell?

By Lucy Slatter. A shareholder cannot typically force another shareholder to sell their shares unless there is a contractual obligation entitling them to do so. For example, if there is a provision enabling such a sale in the company's Articles of Association, Shareholder Agreement or another valid contract.

Can a 51% owner fire a 49% owner?

No owner can be fired or demoted without good cause. Outlining the responsibilities of both parties. The majority can't sell the business unless it's to the minority shareholder.

What happens if shares are not sold?

As per the SEBI mandate, if you neither subscribe (apply) for rights shares or sell the REs in the secondary market, these rights will be extinguished after the closing date.

How do I get rid of unwanted shareholders?

HOW TO REMOVE AN UNWANTED SHAREHOLDER
  1. REVIEW AND CHECK THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND SHAREHOLDERS' AGREEMENT. ...
  2. ALTER THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. ...
  3. DO NOT PAY DIVIDENDS. ...
  4. NEGOTIATION. ...
  5. WIND UP THE COMPANY.

Can you decline a buyout?

Employees have the option of refusing a buyout offer or negotiating some terms of the package with their employer.

What happens if a shareholder pulls out?

If the shareholder agreement contains a buyout clause, exiting officers may be entitled to sell off their shares to the other shareholders. Every shareholder agreement should contain a plan in case of a shareholder's departure. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and avoid litigation.