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Articles of Association Explained by a Leeds Solicitor  

Every limited company must have two documents which together constitute its constitution. These are the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. The Memorandum sets out the basis on which a company exists and the Articles sets out the way in which the company is run. 
 
In companies incorporated before October 2008 the Memorandum is an important document as it sets out the company’s basic powers and objects (in other words, what the company can and cannot do). For companies incorporated since then, the Memorandum simply states that the company exists (and it cannot be subsequently changed). 
 
The Articles of Association regulate the way a company is administered. While the Articles do not usually address matters of day-to-day management, they will govern such fundamental matters as the issue of new shares, the procedures surrounding shareholder decisions and board meetings, and appointment of directors. They may also provide for restrictions on sales of shares, or set out circumstances in which a shareholder might be forced to sell his shares. 
 
There are default Articles, set down by law, which will apply to most companies, but these default Articles can be changed, and it is often good practice to amend the default Articles to fit the specific requirements of a company. 
 
The sorts of issues that might commonly be addressed in a company’s Articles are: 
 
Restrictions on shareholders selling their shares 
The ability to force minority shareholders to sell their shares to someone to whom the majority have agreed to sell the company 
The ability for a minority shareholder to block the sale of the majority’s unless the buyer also buys the minority’s shares 
Restrictions on the issue of new shares 
The minimum or maximum number of directors of the company 
Provisions for how directors meetings are to take place 
Provisions setting out how shareholders can make decisions. 
 
Our Commercial team are very experienced in advising on and preparing Articles of Association. We can also advise on the initial setting up of the business and on the other legal issues that arise in running a business, such as property and employment matters and all kinds of commercial agreements. 
 
If you are confused or need any legal advice don't hestitate to get in contact with some of Leeds leading Solicitors and Lawyers who can advise you on any legal matter. Based out of Leeds and Chapel Allerton we have some of Leeds leading lawyers and solicitors working night and day to provide the best legal advice Leeds has to offer.  
 
Articles of Association Simplified 
 
At Avery Walters our team of specialists can provide advice about Articles of Association. 
 
Contact us on 0113 2007480 or email us on info@averywalters.com to arrange your free initial, no obligation consultation with a specialist. 
 
 
 
 
Andrew Parascandolo 
Managing Director 

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* Laura Stafford is the SFE accredited memberand a full member of STEP 
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