It’s not unusual for relationships between shareholders to become strained. Disagreements are common, but when they become difficult for you to resolve yourself, they can suddenly seem like an insurmountable issue.
Any disagreement with other shareholders is guaranteed to bring a host of problems with it. Luckily, unlike other services, ours attends to each of these issues to ensure a stress-free resolution.
| The Problem |
How Forbes Burton Helps |
| Each party appoints their own accountant — with wildly varying valuations |
Single jointly-instructed valuation — one valuation agreed by all |
| As disputes rumble on, solicitor fees spiral |
Fixed-fees — transparent pricing ensures no nasty surprises |
| Time drags on and uncertainty affects the business |
Structured timeline — typically resolved in 6–12 weeks |
| Neither party trusts the other’s figures |
Shared independent expert — no conflict of interest means no bias |
| No deal structure offered — just a number |
Deal structuring included — practical pathways from experienced business consultants |
We can help you if –
- You are an owner-managed company with more than one shareholder
- Relationships have deteriorated and one party wants to exit
- You’re looking for a prompt and affordable resolution without court
- A credible and independent valuation that all parties can accept is needed
- You’d also like help to structure the buyout, not just a valuation
You may need to look elsewhere if –
- You just want ammunition to win a legal battle
- Neither party is willing to accept an independent determination
- You’re looking for a retrospective valuation for litigation
- The dispute involves fraud or criminal allegations
- One side has already started proceedings with no intention of settling
Choose the right package for you
Tier 1: Independent valuation
Our foundation tier provides you with a jointly instructed, professionally prepared valuation of your business. This valuation is suitable for shareholder negotiations and legal proceedings.
Includes:
- Initial scoping call with all parties (or their solicitors) to gauge the situation and agree on a method to resolve
- Review of financial statements, management accounts, and supporting information
- Application of appropriate valuation method (earnings-based, asset-based, or DCF)
- Consideration of minority discount or control premium where applicable
- Written valuation report signed by valuation professional
- One round of clarification questions from either party
Best for: Parties that are broadly close to a deal but need an independent valuation to base their negotiations around.
Tier 2: Valuation + expert determination
In situations where neither party can agree, this tier provides a binding determination as well as a valuation.
All parties agree in advance to accept the expert’s determination as final, removing the risk of further disagreement.
Includes all benefits of tier 1, as well as:
- Formal joint instruction agreement (drafted and signed before we proceed)
- Review of all parties’ written representations
- Consideration of any contentious adjustments (earnings, director remuneration, related-party items)
- Expert’s determination letter
- Brief rationale for the determination. Not a full arbitration award, but a clear and reasoned position
Best for: parties looking for finality without the cost and delay of arbitration/court
Tier 3: Valuation + expert determination + deal structuring
The full-service option. This tier pairs the valuation and determination from Tier 2 and adds practical deal structuring from experienced business consultants.
We help all parties by structuring a buyout that works for everyone, covering deferred consideration, loan notes, instalment structures, earn-out arrangements, and tax-efficient approaches.
Includes all benefits of tiers 1 & 2 as well as:
- Commercial deal structuring session – this considers what the buyer can afford and what the seller needs
- Deferred consideration modelling (payment schedules, interest, security, default provisions)
- Loan note structuring overview (seller financing the exit in stages)
- Earn-out structure where appropriate – linking deferred payment to future performance
- Tax considerations including BADR eligibility, CGT planning, and structuring of payments
- Team sheet/heads of terms draft to set out the agreed framework
Best for: parties that can’t resolve the issue with a valuation alone as the buyer cannot fund the full amount upfront, or situations in which a creative deal structure is required in order to reach an agreement.
How to get started
Get in touch online
Business owners are entitled to a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our shareholder dispute specialists. If you’re considering leaving your company in the next few years, this consultation will provide you with advice on the best way to approach an exit, and what your next steps should be.
Use our online form to arrange a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss what the best option is for you.
Book a free consultation →
Call us for free advice
Start by getting in touch with our team of business advisers for a free initial consultation on 0808 280 6039. We can help you understand if what the options are and which would be the best one for you. We’re dedicated to giving you the best advice for your unique position.
There’s no pushy sales pitches, just genuine advice for those looking to plan a business exit. So what have you got to lose? Give us a call today to talk through your options.
Speak to a shareholder dispute specialist
