Company interests & shareholder disputes
For diverted company assets, information rights, dividends or related-party dealings, first distinguish the company’s loss from a shareholder’s loss and identify who may pursue which request.
Identify whose interests you represent
Are you the company, a shareholder, a director or an operator? Identify ownership, role, registration and the disputed conduct. A company’s loss and a shareholder’s personal loss may call for different requests; unpaid dividends alone do not establish wrongdoing.
Connect funds, transactions and control
Build a timeline of transfers, connected-party transactions, meeting notices, information requests and replies. Separate control over seals, bank accounts, customers and operations, using records you lawfully hold or can obtain.
Assess rights before choosing a route
Discuss company-record review, written requests, negotiation and litigation assessment. Derivative proceedings, direct claims, urgent preservation or other steps require an assessment of standing, procedural requirements and evidence.
Define the initial assessment output
An agreed assessment can map the parties and interests, disputed events, missing records and proposed next-stage scope. Confirm separately whether written advice, a letter or representation is included.
Hong Kong, Macao or other cross-border factors
If shareholders or funds are in Hong Kong or Macao, identify incorporation, accounts and transaction locations. Foreign company records, applicable law and recognition issues need separate assessment.
Two questions to clarify
Does denied access to accounts automatically support damages?
Separate an information request from a damages claim. Review shareholder status, written requests and replies; loss and liability require further supporting evidence.
Should I continue, exit or bring a claim?
Clarify your objective and the other shareholders’ position. A transfer, operating agreement, rights claim and dissolution are distinct routes to assess against evidence and cost.
Scope and limitations
Trading losses, unpaid dividends and harm to a company are different issues. The conduct and evidence determine possible rights and responsibility.