Sophie Giblin

2 weeks ago | farrer.co.uk | Simon Ward |Charlotte McGuinness |Sophie Giblin

Earlier this year, the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) published updated versions of the model documents for early-stage venture capital investments which can be found here. The principal model documents include the following:Subscription Agreement;Shareholders’ Agreement; andArticles of Association (and, where necessary, a registration rights agreement if an offer of shares in the United States is reasonably likely).

Oct 31, 2024 | farrer.co.uk | India Benjamin |Sophie Giblin

On 23 October 2024 the Institute of Directors (IoD) launched its voluntary Code of Conduct for directors (the Code), following a public consultation in June this year which we commented on . It is aimed at directors of organisations of all sizes within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and is intended to be an individual commitment from directors to act with integrity.

Jun 27, 2024 | farrer.co.uk | Sophie Giblin |Charlie Court

We have previously written about the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), a key piece of legislation forming part of the package of reforms aimed at preventing the abuse of UK corporate structures and tackling economic crime. In our first publication we explained the key changes that will be introduced when the provisions in ECCTA are brought into force (there will be a staggered implementation over an extended period of time).

May 29, 2024 | farrer.co.uk | India Benjamin |Beth Balkham |Sophie Giblin

The UK consumer landscape is shifting and it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to be able to evidence their positive social and environmental impacts to a wide range of stakeholders. Obtaining B Corporation (B Corp) accreditation can help businesses to do so, by demonstrating priorities beyond just profit. At the time of writing, there are approximately 2,000 B Corps in the UK, with this number increasing at seemingly rapid pace.

Apr 25, 2024 | farrer.co.uk | Hoi-Yee Roper |Sophie Giblin

The English courts are seeing an increase in unfair prejudice petitions brought by shareholders who feel aggrieved by the conduct of a company caused by the directors. The decision in Saxon Woods Investments Ltd v Costa & Ors [2024] EWHC 387 illustrates how the drafting and interpretation of a shareholders’ agreement (SHA) is crucial to establishing whether there was unfair conduct and demonstrates how contractual obligations can place a burden beyond the fiduciary duties of directors.