Introduction
In UK company law, directors, shareholders, and people with significant control (PSCs) are the foundational elements of corporate governance. Under the Companies Act 2006, their roles and legal obligations define the structure, management, and regulation of companies. Directors are responsible for steering the company, shareholders provide the necessary capital and hold ownership rights, and PSCs exert significant influence or control. Examining these roles involves understanding statutory duties, rights, and requirements that are essential for the proper functioning and compliance of companies within the legal framework.
Directors: Steering the Company's Course
Directors are entrusted with the management and oversight of a company's affairs under the Companies Act 2006. They hold the authority to make decisions that shape the strategic direction and operational execution of the business. Picture them as captains steering the company's ship through the often unpredictable waters of commerce. In the United Kingdom, a private company must have at least one director, while a public company is required to have a minimum of two directors.
Core Duties of Directors
The Companies Act 2006 codifies seven key duties that directors owe to the company:
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Duty to Act Within Powers (Section 171)
Directors must exercise their powers in accordance with the company's constitution, including the Articles of Association, and must use those powers for their proper purposes. This requires directors to follow the authority granted to them and not to exceed or misuse it.
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Duty to Further the Success of the Company (Section 172)
Directors are obligated to act in good faith and in a way that they consider would be most likely to benefit the company's members as a whole. This includes considering factors such as the long-term consequences of their decisions, the interests of employees, building business relationships with suppliers and customers, and the impact of the company's operations on the community and the environment.
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Duty to Exercise Independent Judgment (Section 173)
This duty requires directors to make their own decisions and not merely follow the directions or interests of others. While they can seek advice, ultimately, they must use their own judgment in the company's best interests.
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Duty to Exercise Reasonable Care, Skill, and Diligence (Section 174)
Directors must perform their duties with the care, skill, and diligence that would be exercised by a reasonably diligent person with both the general knowledge, skill, and experience reasonably expected of someone in their position, and with the general knowledge, skill, and experience that the director actually has.
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Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest (Section 175)
Directors must avoid situations where they have, or could have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts with the interests of the company. This duty applies particularly to the exploitation of any property, information, or opportunity, regardless of whether the company could take advantage of it.
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Duty Not to Accept Benefits from Third Parties (Section 176)
Directors should not accept any benefit from a third party that is conferred by reason of their being a director or doing (or not doing) anything as a director, as this could create a conflict between their personal interests and their duty to the company.
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Duty to Declare Interest in Proposed Transactions or Arrangements (Section 177)
If a director is in any way, directly or indirectly, interested in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the company, they must declare the nature and extent of that interest to the other directors.
Shadow Directors and De Facto Directors
Not all directors are formally appointed. Under UK law, individuals who act as directors or whose instructions are routinely followed by the board may be considered de facto or shadow directors, respectively. This was clarified in cases like Re Hydrodam (Corby) Ltd [1994] BCC 161 and Holland v Revenue and Customs & Anor [2010] UKSC 51, where the courts held that such individuals owe the same duties to the company as formally appointed directors.
Illustrative Example:
Think about a director who owns shares in a supplier company bidding for a lucrative contract with their own company. The director must disclose this interest to the board in accordance with Section 177 and ensure they avoid any conflict of interest under Section 175. Failing to do so could result in legal consequences and breach of their fiduciary duties.
Shareholders: The Proprietors with Influence
Shareholders are the owners of the company and provide the capital necessary for its operation. While they do not manage day-to-day activities, they wield significant influence through their voting rights and have various statutory rights under the Companies Act 2006 and the company's Articles of Association. They are like the pillars supporting a building, necessary for the company's stability and growth.
Rights of Shareholders
Key rights afforded to shareholders include:
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Voting Rights
Shareholders have the right to vote on important company matters at general meetings, such as the appointment or removal of directors (Section 168, Companies Act 2006). Their votes shape the company's policies and strategic direction.
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Right to Receive Dividends
When the company declares dividends, shareholders are entitled to receive a share of the profits proportional to their shareholding. This reflects the return on their investment in the company.
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Right to Capital on Winding Up
In the event of the company's liquidation, shareholders are entitled to receive a share of any remaining assets after all debts and liabilities have been discharged.
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Right to Inspect Company Records
Shareholders have the right to access certain company documents, including the register of members and minutes of general meetings, supporting transparency and accountability.
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Pre-emption Rights
Under Section 561 of the Companies Act 2006, when new shares are issued, existing shareholders have the right of first refusal to purchase these shares in proportion to their existing holdings. This protects shareholders from dilution of their ownership and control.
Decision-Making and Resolutions
Shareholders exercise their influence through:
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Ordinary Resolutions
These require a simple majority (over 50%) of the votes cast. Ordinary resolutions are used for routine decisions.
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Special Resolutions
These require a 75% majority and are necessary for more significant decisions, such as amending the Articles of Association or approving certain transactions.
Illustrative Example:
Suppose a company proposes to issue new shares to fund an expansion. Existing shareholders, under their pre-emption rights, have the opportunity to purchase the new shares before they are offered to external investors. This mechanism ensures they can maintain their proportional ownership and influence within the company.
People with Significant Control: The Influential Stakeholders
People with Significant Control (PSCs) are individuals or entities that exert significant influence or control over a company. The concept of PSCs was introduced to increase corporate transparency and combat illegal activities such as money laundering and tax evasion.
Defining a PSC
An individual or entity is considered a PSC if they meet one or more of the following conditions:
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Ownership of More Than 25% of Shares
Directly or indirectly holding more than 25% of the company's shares.
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Control of More Than 25% of Voting Rights
Holding voting rights exceeding 25%, allowing them to influence the outcome of shareholder resolutions.
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Right to Appoint or Remove a Majority of the Board of Directors
Having the power to appoint or dismiss directors provides significant control over the company's management.
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Significant Influence or Control
Exercising significant influence or control over the company, even without meeting the above criteria.
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Control over a Trust or Firm
Holding the above rights or interests through a trust or firm.
PSC Register and Compliance Obligations
Companies are required to maintain a PSC register, which must be filed with Companies House and kept up to date. The register includes information such as the PSC's name, date of birth, nationality, and details of their control over the company. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in criminal penalties for both the company and the individuals involved.
Legal Precedents: Piercing the Corporate Veil
The principle of separate legal personality means that a company is a distinct legal entity from its shareholders and directors. However, in certain circumstances, courts may 'pierce the corporate veil' to hold individuals accountable. In Prest v Petrodel Resources Ltd [2013] UKSC 34, the Supreme Court held that the corporate veil could be lifted where a company is being used to conceal the true facts or to evade legal obligations.
This case clarified that:
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The corporate veil will only be pierced in limited circumstances, specifically when a company is being abused for wrongdoing.
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PSCs and others who misuse corporate structures to evade liabilities may be held personally liable.
Illustrative Example:
Consider a PSC who uses their control over a company to divert company assets for personal gain, thereby defrauding creditors. Courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold the PSC personally liable for the company's debts, ensuring justice and upholding the integrity of the law.
Conclusion
The complex relationship between directors, shareholders, and people with significant control defines the framework of corporate governance under UK law. Directors are obligated to fulfill statutory duties codified in the Companies Act 2006, such as avoiding conflicts of interest (Section 175) and furthering the company's success (Section 172). Shareholders exercise control through their voting rights, protected by legal mechanisms like pre-emption rights (Section 561). People with significant control add a layer of transparency by disclosing their influence over the company.
Interaction among these roles can present elaborate legal scenarios. For instance, a director who is also a PSC might propose a transaction benefiting another company they control. They must declare their interest (Section 177), avoid conflicts (Section 175), and act in the company's best interest (Section 172). Shareholders may vote on the transaction, and their decision-making process is influenced by their rights and the disclosures made by the PSC. This demonstrates how statutory duties and rights operate together within the corporate structure.
Complying with these legal requirements is essential for maintaining good corporate governance and avoiding legal repercussions under the Companies Act 2006.