Navigating Shareholder Freeze-Out and Termination in Massachusetts Closely Held Companies
Fiduciary Duties and Termination in Closely Held CompaniesIn Massachusetts, shareholders in closely held corporations owe each other a duty of utmost good faith and fair dealing. When a shareholder is also an employee of the company, this fiduciary duty must be considered along with employment laws.
Understanding Closely Held CompaniesA closely held company is any business entity whose shares are not freely traded. This could be an S Corporation, a C Corporation, or an LLC. The key feature is that the shares cannot be bought and sold on a public exchange.
Shareholders in these companies have heightened duties to each other. This is because a minority shareholder cannot easily sell their shares when they want to exit or need a return on their investment. Firing a Minority Shareholder: Balancing ActAbsent an employment contract, employment in Massachusetts is generally "at will." That means either the employee or the employer can terminate the relationship for any reason.
However, a shareholder-employee stands in a unique position. Often in small and startup companies, the employment salary is the main return on investment that the shareholder receives. That shareholder has a reasonable expectation of continued employment as part of their minority ownership interest in the company. While employment is still "at will," terminating the employment of a minority shareholder could be challenged as a breach of fiduciary duty under Massachusetts law. Whether this amounts to wrongful termination will depend, in part, on proof of the majority shareholders' motivation. If there is a valid business purpose for the termination, the majority will not face liability. Examples include documented poor performance in the role or clear wrongdoing by the employee. Conversely, if the employee is fired simply to remove them from influencing company decisions, that could be a breach of duty. Similarly, a termination designed to enrich the other shareholders at the expense of the one with minority interests could be a breach. Remedies for Wrongful Termination of a Minority ShareholderA shareholder employee can bring a legal claim for a freeze-out if they are fired without a legitimate business purpose. The available remedies, however, can be confusing. A court can award damages measured by lost wages as a result of termination.
That leaves unresolved the question of ownership in the company. Massachusetts courts have held that a court cannot force a buyout of a minority shareholder's interest as a remedy for a freeze-out. A court could order the company to re-hire the shareholder, but forcing people to work together is generally not a remedy that the courts favor. This means that the shareholder-employee will have to present a model for damages to compensate them for the loss of return on investment that employment represented. This is inherently somewhat speculative, and can make proving damages complex. The parties, of course, can and often do reach a settlement that is essentially a buyout of the shares. The Importance of the Shareholders AgreementThe shareholders' agreement, or the operating agreement in the case of an LLC, will control most aspects of the shareholder relationship. It is important for the minority shareholder to read and understand this document.
Massachusetts law allows shareholders to define the scope of their duties by contract. This means that if your agreement allows a certain action, taking that action cannot be a breach of fiduciary duty. For example, the shareholder agreement may specify whether and how the company will repurchase shares upon termination of a shareholder's employment. If the company follows the procedures and valuation set forth in the agreement, the price paid for the shares cannot be challenged. If the agreement is silent on an issue, such as termination of employment, it may still be possible to challenge a majority shareholder's actions as a breach of duty to the minority. What Law Governs the DisputeGenerally, disputes about the duties owed between shareholders are governed by the law of the state where the company was created. If your company is a Massachusetts corporation or LLC, Massachusetts law will control.
Many people, however, choose to incorporate in other states like Delaware. Shareholder disputes in a Delaware corporation will be governed by Delaware law. This is important for you to know because Delaware law generally protects the actions of a controlling shareholder more than Massachusetts law. What to Consider When Facing a "Business Divorce"The breakup of a shareholder relationship is sometimes called a business divorce for a reason. These business relationships are often formed from personal friendships in the first place. Even where that is not the case, working closely together over time to create and build a small business can make the enterprise personal.
If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to get legal advice before making important decisions. A majority shareholder considering the termination of the minority shareholder's employment should vet the reasons for termination with an attorney. A minority shareholder facing termination should also understand their rights and obligations under the shareholders' agreement and the law. In most situations, both parties are best served by consulting early with an attorney who can help them navigate a difficult situation without risking costly litigation and further damaged relationships. |
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Our experienced legal team specializes in handling disputes within closely held companies. Whether you're a minority shareholder facing wrongful termination or a majority shareholder seeking to make informed decisions, we provide expert guidance and strategies to protect your interests and maintain business relationships. You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, or give us a call at 781-784-2322.
