Family Business Services

Our parallel approach combines succession planning with strategic planning to provide you with a strategic road map for a successful and sustainable business and a harmonious family.

We also help you address issues relating to Estate Planning.

As part of our work, will guide and assist your legal team to develop the necessary legal documentation such as Shareholders’ Agreements and Wills.

We have experience working with a range of leading companies to help them navigate the succession process.

We have worked on projects not only pertaining to Succession Planning but also tackled issues most commonly associated with Family Business e.g. Corporate Governance, Financial Strategies and Strategic Planning, to name a few.

Conflict-spiral-in-family-business-amer-qureshi
family-business-governance-framework-amer-qureshi

The succession process is often challenging to deal with as it involves a myriad of family issues as well as a number of business issues.

During the process, there may be tough decisions to be made. It is important that the process is handled with care, and diplomacy and by people with diverse experience in handling such matters.

This helps keep the family harmonious during and after the process is completed.

Our typical Succession Planning Process entails the following deliverables:

1. Family Constitution

The Family Constitution (also known as a family charter or family protocol) is a written statement that serves as a record of the family’s heritage, culture, hopes and ambitions for future success, as well as a plan for how to achieve them. At its core will be the mission statement for the family

and their clearly stated hopes and aspirations for the current and future generations.

The main aspects of the constitution include:

  • Documentation of Family Values and Beliefs
  • Bill of Rights for Family Members
  • Bill of Responsibilities of the family members
  • Entry into family business
  • Exit from the family business
  • Right to receive dividends
  • Succession related issues
  • Resolution of family disputes

2. Outline of Shareholders Agreement

The key terms and conditions considered in the agreement include:

  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Decision Making Process
  • Remuneration Arrangement
  • Exit/Entry into the business

Transfer of Shareholding

  • Death/Incapacity of Shareholders
  • Appointment of Directors from the various families
  • Dividend Policies
  • Restraint of trade
  • Voluntary Exit

3. Strategic Report

The report would cover such areas as:

  • An assessment of SWOT
  • Financial Analysis
  • Overview of policies and procedures
  • Analysis of organisational structure, roles and responsibilities of key team members
  • Assessment of governance framework

4. Coaching & Mentoring Services

A detailed plan is developed for all the key personnel with particular emphasis on the younger generation following an assessment of their current skills and expertise

5. Wills for the family members

A well prepared will that takes account of your various operating structures such as companies, trusts and superannuation is critical to ensure that your assets are transferred to the beneficiaries in the most effective way.

Important:

All legal documentation is required to be formally drafted by your lawyers based on our instructions, guidance and advice