The Problem of Protecting the Rights of Minority Shareholders under Russian and English Law

This article examines the issues of methods of protection of the legitimate rights and interests of minority shareholders of joint-stock companies in the Russian Federation. In the modern joint-stock companies there is the problem of the imbalance of the rights and interests of shareholders, namely minority shareholders, rights and interests which are very often are limited and violated. The legislation in many countries, including the Russian Federation, is directed on protection of the rights and interests of this category of persons. Particular attention is paid to protection of rights and interests of minority shareholders. The article is submitted for discussion the thesis that the balance of interests between minority shareholders and majority shareholders has to be considered. This thesis was determined by the fact that the non-observance of this balance can lead to various negative consequences for the company, and it was noted that the protection of minority shareholder rights is aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development of the company and the improvement of economic relations between the founders and joint-stock companies. This article is devoted to the comparative analysis of the provisions of the law relating to the protection of the rights of minority shareholders in Russia and some common law countries (UK). Also it discusses the specific rights granted by law to holders of certain shares of the company and considered some possibilities of further improvement of legislation in the sphere of ensuring rights of minority shareholders.

joint-stock company, shareholder, civil law, corporate law, statutory documents, protection of rights, minority shareholders, securities, general meeting of shareholders

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