Corporate Advisory
Corporate Advisory
52 Gates Legal advises companies operating in Telangana, Maharashtra and other states of India on the legal side of running a business, from setting up the right entity to day-to-day contracts, governance and disputes between owners.
We assist clients in establishing and structuring companies, and in corporate and commercial disputes involving breaches of shareholders’ rights or directors’ duties. We also support organisations with ongoing company management work.
What we help with
- Setting up a business – choosing between a private limited company, a limited liability partnership, a partnership firm or a one person company, and completing incorporation and registrations.
- Founders and shareholders – founders’ agreements, shareholders’ agreements, share transfers and exits.
- Commercial contracts – supply, service, distribution, licensing, confidentiality and consultancy agreements.
- Governance – board and shareholder meetings, resolutions, statutory registers and annual filings.
- Corporate disputes – disagreements between shareholders or directors, and claims of oppression or mismanagement.
Choosing the right structure
The structure chosen at the start affects liability, tax, the ability to bring in investors and the compliance burden. A private limited company is generally preferred where outside investment is expected. A limited liability partnership offers limited liability with lighter compliance and often suits professional and owner-managed businesses. A traditional partnership is simple to form, but the partners remain personally liable. We explain the trade-offs in plain terms before anything is filed.
Agreements between owners
Most disputes between business partners arise from points never written down: who decides what, what happens when a founder leaves, how shares are valued, and how deadlock is broken. A founders’ or shareholders’ agreement settles these while relations are good. Reviewing these documents before a new investor or partner joins is far less costly than resolving a dispute later.
Contracts in day-to-day business
A well-drafted contract states clearly what is to be delivered, the price and payment terms, liability limits, how the contract can be ended and how disputes will be resolved. We draft and review contracts with attention to how they will work in practice, including enforceability and stamp duty.
Common questions
Do we need a shareholders’ agreement if we already have articles of association?
The two work together. The articles are a public document binding the company; a shareholders’ agreement is a private contract that can record detailed commercial arrangements. Key terms are usually reflected in both.
What can a minority shareholder do if they are being sidelined?
Company law provides remedies where a company’s affairs are conducted in a manner oppressive to members or prejudicial to the company. Whether they apply depends on shareholding and facts.
Can a foreign company or NRI own an Indian company?
In most sectors, yes, subject to foreign investment rules. See Market Entry and Investments.
For licences, filings and regulatory obligations, see Regulatory and Compliance. For employment matters, see Labour & Employment.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Please contact us to discuss your specific matter.