How to Choose the Right Share Class for Your Irish Company?

If you are planning to set up a company in Ireland, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is how to structure your share capital. Share capital is the amount of money that shareholders invest in the company in exchange for shares, which represent their ownership and rights in the company.

Choosing the right share class for your Irish company can have a significant impact on how you run your business, how you distribute profits, how you raise funds, how you protect your interests, and how you reward your employees.

 This guide will delve deep into understanding share classes, their importance, and how to make an informed choice.

What are Share Classes and Why Are They Important?

Share classes represent the different types of equity ownership in a company, with each class having its own set of rights and privileges. The importance of choosing the right share class cannot be stressed enough, as it directly impacts:

• The distribution of dividends among shareholders.
• Voting rights and control over company decisions.
• The flexibility in raising future capital.
• The company’s attractiveness to potential investors and employees.

Getting your share structure right from the outset can save your company from potential disputes, inflexibility, and inefficiencies in the future.

Types of Share Classes for Irish Companies

There are various types of share classes that you can use for your Irish company, depending on the type of company you have and the type of shareholders you want to attract. Some of the most common types of share classes are:

Ordinary Shares: The Most Common and Flexible Share Class

Ordinary shares are the most common and basic type of shares that form the backbone of the share capital of any company. They usually have equal rights and rank on equal footing with each other.  They grant shareholders:

• A right to vote at general meetings.
• An entitlement to dividends.
• A share in the company’s residual assets upon winding up.

Ordinary shares are flexible because they can be modified or altered by creating different subclasses within them. You can also specify these differences in the constitution or shareholders agreement.

 Preference and Deferred Shares: How to Prioritize or Defer Dividends and Winding-Up

Preference and deferred shares are two types of shares that differ from ordinary shares in terms of their priority or deferment in receiving dividends or in case of winding-up. Preference shares rank ahead of ordinary shares and deferred shares rank behind ordinary shares in these respects.

Preference shares

Preference shares, as the name suggests, give certain preferential rights over ordinary shares.

• Priority in receiving dividends.
• A fixed rate of dividend.
• Priority over ordinary shareholders in receiving assets on a company’s winding-up

Preference shareholders usually do not have any voting rights unless their dividends are in arrears or the company proposes to alter their rights.

Deferred shares

Deferred shares are typically the opposite of preference shares. They might receive dividends only after all other share classes have received theirs, and in some cases, might not carry voting rights.Deferred shares are often issued to founders or investors who expect a higher return on their investment in the long term.

Redeemable Shares: How to Cash Out Your Shares at a Set Time and Value

Redeemable shares are issued with an agreement that the company will buy them back at a future date or upon certain conditions being met. This gives shareholders an exit strategy, allowing them to cash in their investment at a predetermined value.

Redeemable shares must be fully paid up when they are issued and they must be redeemed out of distributable profits or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares. The terms and conditions of redemption must be specified in the constitution or shareholders agreement.

Alphabet Shares: How to Customize Voting Rights and Powers for Different Shareholders

Alphabet shares are a type of shares that are designated by different letters of the alphabet, such as A-shares, B-shares, C-shares, etc. They usually have different voting rights and powers within the company, such as:

• The right to appoint or remove directors
• The right to approve or veto certain decisions or transactions
• The right to access or disclose certain information or documents
• The right to participate or be excluded in certain activities or opportunities

Alphabet shares can be useful for the following purposes:

• They can allow different shareholders to have different levels of involvement and influence in the management and direction of the company.
• They can enable different shareholders to have different interests and expectations in the performance and growth of the company.
• They can facilitate different shareholders to have different tax treatments and benefits depending on their personal circumstances.

Alphabet shares must be clearly defined and regulated in the constitution or shareholders agreement.

Golden Shares: How to Retain Complete Control Over Your Company

Golden shares are a unique type of share that grants its holder significant control or veto rights over specific company matters. Often held by founders or major investors, golden shares ensure the holder can influence significant decisions, such as mergers or company sales.

How to Define and Regulate Your Share Classes in Your Constitution and Shareholders Agreement

The rights, restrictions, and privileges of each share class are generally outlined in a company’s constitution (formerly called the memorandum and articles of association). It’s essential to:

• Clearly define the rights associated with each share class.
• Ensure flexibility to issue new shares or reclassify existing ones.
• Address the mechanism for resolving disputes among shareholders.

In addition to the constitution, a shareholders’ agreement can provide a more detailed, private, and flexible framework for managing shares and shareholders’ relationships.

 How to Issue and Transfer Shares in Your Irish Company

Issuing and transferring shares in Irish companies is a structured process:

Issue of Shares:

The directors must have the authority to issue shares, either granted by the constitution or by resolution of the shareholders.

Valuation:

 Determine the price of shares, considering the company’s worth and future prospects.

Documentation: 

Complete the necessary paperwork, including share certificates and updating the company’s register of members.

Transfer of Shares:

Transfer of shares usually involves a stock transfer form, share certificate, and sometimes, approval from the company’s directors.

How Peak Accounting Solutions Can Help You Set Up Your Irish Company with the Best Share Structure

Selecting the right share class is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to company formation in Ireland. Peak Accounting Solutions, being a front-runner in Irish company formation, offers bespoke solutions tailored to your business needs. Our experts can guide you:

• In understanding the implications of each shared class.
• Through the legal maze of company formation.
• On the tax efficiencies of different share structures.

Our commitment is not just to help you start but to see your business thrive. Let Peak Accounting Solutions be your partner in this exciting venture. Contact us today!

Remember: Your company’s foundation lies in its structure. Ensure it’s set up optimally for growth, flexibility, and control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nominal value and share premium?

The nominal value (or par value) is the face value of a share, while the share premium is the amount received over the nominal value when shares are issued.

How does voting work with different share classes?

Each share class can have different voting rights. For instance, ordinary shares might have one vote per share, while preference shares might have no voting rights unless their dividend is paid.

Can I change the share class structure after company formation?

Yes, but it typically requires a special resolution of the shareholders and possibly alterations to the company’s constitution.

 How do dividend distributions vary among share classes?

Dividends are distributed based on the rights of each share class. Preference shares might get dividends before ordinary shares, and the amounts can vary.

What are the tax implications of issuing shares to employees?

Issuing shares can have tax consequences both for the company and the receiving employee. It’s essential to seek tax advice before issuing shares to employees.