When shareholders or family members fall into dispute, the business often absorbs the impact. Decision-making slows, leadership becomes unclear and financial performance can suffer.
The good news is that there are clear commercial pathways available. The right option depends on the level of conflict, the financial position of the business and the willingness of the parties to work together.
Below are four practical options we guide clients through when the dispute reaches a point where change is required.
1. Share Sale or Buyout
A negotiated share sale is often the cleanest way to resolve ownership deadlock. One party exits with clarity, and the remaining owners regain control and direction.
This works best when the business is still performing well, and both parties want to avoid structural disruption.
We assist by:
- Presenting clear financial information
- Appointing an experienced business valuer
- Supporting dispute resolution professionals with commercial reasoning
- Minimising disruption to day-to-day operations
A well-managed buyout allows the business to keep moving forward without the dispute hanging over it.
2. Business Restructure
Sometimes the relationship is strained, but the business itself still has strong commercial foundations. In these cases, a restructure can be a practical, low-disruption option.
A restructure allows owners to separate responsibilities, business units or customer groups without shutting down the business.
This may include:
- Spinning out parts of the business into a new entity
- Dividing business units or customer groups
- Realigning management, roles and responsibilities
- Resetting financial reporting, governance and ownership arrangements
The goal is to create a structure that reduces conflict, preserves value and allows each party to move forward with clarity.
3. Appoint an Administrator
When the dispute is so severe that neither party can safely steer the ship, appointing an independent Administrator may be the most effective way to protect the business.
This pathway introduces a skilled external party to:
- Stabilise operations
- Take control of decision-making
- Protect creditors and the business’s financial position
- Provide independent oversight while the dispute is resolved
It removes emotion and conflict from the operational environment, giving the business space to continue trading while a long-term solution is negotiated.
4. Controlled Shutdown
If the existing entity is no longer workable, a controlled shutdown ensures the exit happens safely and commercially. This is not failure. It is a structured way to protect value and avoid chaotic outcomes.
A controlled shutdown is useful when:
- Shareholders need a clean separation
- The entity will not trade going forward
- Family members want to divide assets fairly
We manage:
- The financial modelling
- The planning and timing
- The coordination with accountants, lawyers and other advisors
This approach gives owners clarity, certainty and a stable exit from an unworkable structure.
Final Thoughts
A dispute does not have to destroy the business. Even in highly emotional situations, the underlying commercial reality is that most businesses can be stabilised, protected and guided toward a safer outcome. The key is having someone independent in your corner who is not caught up in the emotion, the history or the pressure from either side.
With the right guidance, you can protect value, maintain continuity and keep the business moving while the dispute is resolved. Customers stay supported, staff remain engaged and the financial position stays under control.
Handled well, a dispute becomes a transition rather than a crisis.
If you’re unsure which option fits your situation, reach out. A short conversation can help bring structure, calm and direction to what can otherwise be an overwhelming period.
Do you have a dispute that you need help to manage?
Book a Strategy Call with us
Book a free strategy call with us today and take the first step toward getting back in control. We’ll help you understand your position, weigh your options, and build a clear path forward — without judgement, pressure, or jargon.
