Partnership Flashcards
What act controls partnerships?
Partnership act 1890
When does a partnership come into existence?
When 2 or more persons are “carrying on a business in common with a view of profit”
What does section 2 of the PA 1980 contain?
Rules for determining the existence of a partnership
What provides a default judgement for partnerships?
The partnership act 1890, it is a default contract.
What does the partnership act govern as a contract?
The relationship between partners, unless they have agreed any specific terms - which will usually override.
How does a partnership agreement need to be formed?
Orally or writing - both are equally as Valid.
BUT a written partnership is more desirable.
What sections of the PA cannot be overridden?
S 1 and 2 which govern when a partnership comes into existence
S 5018, governs eh relationship between the partners and third parties.
Why would one operate as a partnership? ?
There is no formality, therefore easy.
Partners do not enjoy limited liability for the partnership debts, but do not have to adhere to extensive administrative requirements.
How do you start a partnership?
There are no formalities. It is always recommended to seek legal advice.
It starts when you start a business for money.
What can the name of a partnership be?
Can be the name of the partners
Good idea to insert the name into the agreement
CANNOT:
- include Ltd, LLP or Plc
- be offensive
- be the same as an existing trademark
- contain sensitive words or expressions
What is the place of business for a partnership?
Rent premises, or buy them.
When does a partnership commence?
When they start doing business, NOT when they say it commences in the partnership agreement.
Are the partners required to take management of the business?
No. They may take part in the management, but they are not required to do so.
What must the PA insert about work input of the partners?
Set out working hours, if they work ful time etc.
if they must devote all their time and attention to the business, or not engage in other business.
Non-compete clauses.
What are the roles of each partner?
Depends on the agreement. They may only be able to do certain tings - therefore authority on certain areas. breaching this could be a reason for expulsion
What are the 3 exceptions of decision makings taken by majority?
Changing nature of business
Introducing new partner (s 24)
Changing terms of PA (s 19)
These all must be done unanimously
How are decisions made in the partnerships?
Al decisions must be taken by majority, with 3 exceptions
What is capital of a partnership?
This is the money the partnership needs to start operating.
The partners contribute a sum of money - this is called capital
Under the PA, how are profits and capital shared?
EQUALLY
The partners share equally int he capital and profits of the business.
What are the capital profits?
One-off gains - such as office building increasing in value
It is NOT the amount partners invest - this is just “capital”
Can the partnership agreement change the shares in profits to partners?
Because equal shares may not reflect what is equa, the parties can decide that they should own the partnership capital in those SAME proportions.
Need to decide whether they should also own any capital profits in the SAME proportions as their original contributions
Can interest be paid on capital contributions?
Yes, the PA might provide for interest to be paid, to ENCOURAGE investment and to reward partners for their contribution capital to the partnership
What does the partnership agreement state about income profit proportions?
Often depend on working hours. More time, more income profits.
HOWEVER< under PA, it is EQUALLY
Do partners receive salaries?
No. They are not employees. They own the business.
The income profits are called “drawings”
What are “Drawings”
The income profits which partners recieve
How are assets in the partnership owned?
It will belong to different partners. This must be written down so they know and there is no miscommunication.
How can a partner be expelled?
No majority of partners may expel another, unless the partners have expressly agreed to this.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to expel another partner, without express agreement allowing the other partners to do so.
Because the partner in question wont vote against themselves, this basically doesnt happen.
Partnership agreements will often therefore contain an expulsion clause, allowing the partners to expel one a partner, if they have CONDUCTED THEMSELVES IN A CERTAIN WAY