3): The interests, rights, obligations and powers of stakeholders in a business (Partnerships and the PA 1890) Flashcards
When does a partnership commence?
can be commenced without the parties realising of they have started a business in common with a view of profit
Does a general partnership have separate legal personality?
No.
What is the function of the Partnership Act 1890?
provides default contract
How can a partnership agreement be formed?
Written,
Orally,
OR
implied by conduct where a partner has acted in a certain way over time and the other partners have not objected.
what is needed when starting a partnership? (brief)
no formalities required
what is a solicitor’s duty when drafting a partnership agreement?
ensure parties are aware of what is being agreed
ensure the agreement reflects the clients’ wishes and needs.
What are the required elements of a partnership agreement?
name of the partnership
place and nature of business
commencement and duration
Work input and roles for each partner
Decision making process
initial capital contributions
how income and capital profits/losses are shared
ownership of assets
When the partnership ends/dissolution
If the partnership commences early, what applies?
The provisions of the PA 1890 apply until the commencement date in the partnership agreement is reached
Can partnerships continue after a fixed term?
Yes, they are presumed to be partners on the same terms as before
Can partners engage in other business whilst being partners?
No.
How are decisions made in a partnership?
all decisions must be made by majority with 3 exceptions needing unanimity:
changing the nature of the business
introducing a new partner
changing terms of partnership agreement
What is the difference between capital profits and income profits?
capital: one off gains
income: recurring in nature
Can a partner be expelled?
only if it is agreed expressly in the partnership agreement which is unlikely
OR
if there is an expulsion clause in partnership agreement
How do partners share in profits and losses?
they share equally in the capital and profits/losses
What is dissolution?
contractual relationship between partners ends
BUT
doesn’t necessarily mean that partners will stop trading
What is the default position regarding dissolution under the PA 1890?
any partner may end the partnership at any time by giving notice of their intention to all of the partners
What is a partnership at will?
a partnership that continues indefinitely until notice is given
What should a solicitor advise regarding the default position of notice for dissolution?
clients should include notice period in partnership agreement
AND
stipulate that notice should be given in writing.
When is a partnership dissolved under the PA 1890?
when a partner retires
on expiry of a fixed term (can be disapplied)
by death or bankruptcy of any partner (can be disapplied)
Notice given to a partner with a court-ordered charge over their partnership share for personal debt
When does a partnership dissolve automatically?
if something happens which makes it unlawful for the business to be carried on (cannot be disapplied)
What can the partners do if they wish to have the partnership dissolved under s 35 PA 1890?
apply to the court for an order if:
a partner becomes permanently unable to perform their duties
a partners’ conduct is prejudicial to the business
partner wilfully/persistently breaches partnership agreement
partnership can only be carried on at a loss
the court thinks it is just and equitable to allow dissolution
What is the better alternative to relying on s 35 of the PA 1890?
include clear provisions allowing for expulsion of a partner
What is the effect of dissolution?
partnership ends
all assets sold
OR
partnership sold as going concern
outgoing partner receives their share.
what can an outgoing partner do under s 39 PA 1890? (Annoying partner should do this).
insist on the business being sold so the other partners cannot continue the business