Ownership · Australian business guide
Shareholders, Founders and Company Control
Turn ownership percentages into workable rules for decisions, transfers, exits, disputes and the relationship between directors and shareholders.
At a glance
- 01
Map the cap table
Confirm legal ownership, classes, vesting and any promised but unissued equity.
- 02
Allocate decisions
Separate board, shareholder and founder reserved matters.
- 03
Plan the hard events
Agree transfer, deadlock, leaver and exit rules before they are needed.
Selected reading
Understand the issue before deciding what to do next
Start with these articles for the key rules, then check the official sources before you act.
Primary sources
Source links checked 20 July 2026. Confirm the current rule before acting.
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Put the right documents and advice behind your decision
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. The right path depends on the entity, documents and commercial facts.