Joint Ventures

A joint venture is established where two or more participants join forces for a project/venture.  The reason for doing so, most commonly, is that neither party wishes to devote the entire financial commitment for the project so pull their resources with another. Alternatively, the participants may have different skills or resources available and the parties may be considered more likely to succeed if their resources are pooled than if each party commences the enterprise separately. Before embarking on the joint venture, the parties should first identify the likely requirements that each party is bringing to the table:
    1. Cash
    2. Resources (staff, office space etc)
    3. Management
    4. Equipment

A brief written specification of the project identifying the responsibilities of each side will help to avoid misunderstandings if prepared at an early stage in the negotiations. More specific considerations will depend on the purpose of the joint venture:

Single Project: Where a joint venture is created to deal with a single project e.g. the development of a property or other enterprise which is likely to last only for a limited period, a simple contractual agreement may be all that is required. In that situation, the management of the project is normally carried out by the existing management of the two parties. Partnership: Where the project is likely to continue for a longer period, a partnership may be suitable. Partnerships are simple to set up and avoid the disclosure of accounting and other information required for limited companies. The main problem with partnerships is the unlimited liability of the partners for the partnership’s debts. Joint Venture Company: The most common form of joint venture is a joint venture company. The advantages of using a joint venture company are its limited liability status and the ability to keep the company’s affairs separate from the other activities of the participants. The existence of share capital in the company also simplifies the division of the parties’ interests and makes the transfer of those interests easier. In addition, the management of the company can, if required, be kept separate from share ownership and the company will be able to raise finance by charging its assets. Most joint venture companies are governed by a joint venture agreement or a shareholders’ agreement as well as the usual Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. The arrangements for a joint venture company need not be complicated. You can start with a simple ready-made company and amend and expand the arrangement as the business develops and profits increase. Where two or more businesses pool their efforts for mutually beneficial purposes, their respective contributions and expectations should be specified in writing. In addition, a joint venture agreement is necessary to determine their respective duties and obligations in running the enterprise.

Issues during the Lifetime of the Agreement:

The joint venture agreement should address in particular: financial arrangements for providing the initial capital and any additional cash required; the division of responsibilities; the division of profits (or losses); the appointment of directors (in the case of a joint venture company); management rights e.g. board representation and powers and where shareholders’ approval is necessary; the preparation of accounts; the matters for which unanimity between the two parties is required (deadlock); the circumstances in which the joint venture comes to an end and the consequences of termination (see below); how long the joint venture is intended to last; and the arrangements which are to apply if a party wishes to transfer or dispose of its interest.

In addition, the agreement should address rights to, and ownership of assets including technology and other intellectual property brought into the joint venture, generated or exploited during the joint venture and each parties respective rights in those assets after the joint venture has ended.

Termination Issues

Termination and the consequences of termination are generally the most difficult points in a joint venture agreement. It may be helpful to build in arrangements for arbitration or alternative dispute resolution if difficulties arise, preferably by an independent expert known to both parties.

Always ensure at the outset, if you can, that your exit route is safeguarded if things go less well than you expect. In particular, if you are involved in a joint venture company, the Articles of Association or the shareholders’ agreement often provides that a participant requiring to dispose of their stake must give the other participants a right of first refusal. Sometimes a ‘candy bar’ formula is used i.e. whereby a participant wishing to leave or end a joint venture offers to sell his shares to the other participant at what he considers the appropriate figure-but the other participant may then be obliged to sell their own shares at the same figure if he does not accept the initial offer.

If the joint venture is discontinued, the assets will normally be disposed of, the liabilities discharged and the net balance divided between the participants in proportion to their shares in the venture.

Parker Arrenberg Solicitors provide astute legal advice and the drafting of legal documents addressing your immediate and ongoing business needs.

We can assist whether you are a new start-up or an established business.  We provide sensible commercial legal advice and draft the agreements you need in place to reduce areas of dispute or at least provide a mechanism for the parties to resolve a dispute. We can help you grow and evolve safely in the knowledge that you, your business and your brand are protected and stand on the strong legal ground to move forward.

Our Fees

Your solicitor will always ensure that you are fully aware of any fees involved, and where possible we will work to a range of fixed fees depending on your requirements. If that is not possible, we will provide you with a very clear and transparent fee quotation that ensures you fully understand the fees you need to pay and what is included in those fees.

 

Get in Touch with our Commercial Law Solicitors Today!

Parker Arrenberg are experienced Joint Venture Solicitors who make it their priority interest to ensure all aspects of your case are handled seamlessly and professionally. Based in South East London, Catford and City of London, we provide a personal approach to our service and are only call or email away should you need us.

For all your legal needs, get in touch with one of our expert solicitors today. For general enquiries please call 020 8695 2330. You can also email us at reception@parkerarrenberg.co.uk  and we will get back to you.