Shareholders
Shareholders need a clear view of voting rights, deadlines and negotiation room.
Shareholder disputes in Germany · Berlin · advising across Germany
Shareholder disputes in Germany
A shareholder dispute rarely turns on one clause alone. Resolutions, information rights and commercial leverage need to be assessed together.
Who it is for
When cooperation can no longer be assumed.
Advice becomes important once decisions are blocked, information is withheld or allegations begin to carry legal consequences.
Companies
The business needs working decision paths during a conflict.
Management
Directors need clarity on duties and authority while owners disagree.
Advice
A dispute strategy grounded in corporate law.
Legal position, available evidence and commercial objective determine whether negotiation, resolutions or separation should lead.
Position and evidence
Articles, side agreements, resolutions and communications form the basis for legal and negotiating strategy.
- Secure corporate documents and resolutions
- Build a chronology
- Assess rights, deadlines and evidence
Negotiation and resolutions
The strategy should connect legally available steps with the commercial result sought.
- Define negotiating room and limits
- Prepare resolutions correctly
- Review consequences before escalation
Separation and reset
If cooperation cannot continue, share transfers, price and future control should be negotiated together.
- Compare separation and valuation options
- Plan management and access changes
- Implement the agreed settlement
Contact
Is a shareholder conflict developing?
Outline the ownership, immediate trigger and any urgent dates. I will respond confidentially about possible support.
How we work
Turn a conflict narrative into a defensible position.
Documents and events are organised, available levers assessed and next steps matched to the risk of escalation.
Request counselEstablish the record
Documents, resolutions, ownership and events are put in chronological order.
Assess the routes
Rights, deadlines, votes and commercial interests guide negotiation or resolutions.
Implement the outcome
Settlement, reset or separation is translated into documents and completion steps.
Your contact: Dr. Philipp Lerch, attorney · Content last updated: 24 September 2026
Dr. Philipp LerchAttorney · Berlin
Profile
Legal precision meets commercial understanding.
As an attorney with experience at an international business law firm and an additional background in computer science, I combine corporate law expertise with a clear understanding of business models, processes, and technology.
- Former attorney at Hogan Lovells International LLP
- Two German honours examinations with a focus on commercial and corporate law
- Dr. jur. and LL.M. Corporate and Commercial Law, University of Sheffield
- B.Sc. Computer Science, Free University of Berlin
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which documents matter in a shareholder dispute?
The articles, side agreements, shareholder list, resolutions and correspondence help assess rights, steps already taken and possible deadlines.
Should the parties negotiate or prepare a resolution first?
That depends on the conflict, voting position, timing and desired result. Early assessment helps preserve options and avoid unnecessary escalation.
What outcomes are possible?
Depending on the situation, a revised decision structure, an agreement on ownership or an orderly separation may be possible. Feasibility depends on the documents and parties’ interests.
Contact
Is a shareholder conflict developing?
Outline the ownership, immediate trigger and any urgent dates. I will respond confidentially about possible support.