Meyer & Partners Attorneys

Meyer & Partners Attorneys We are a full service law firm serving private individuals and companies alike since 2008.

Many people assume that becoming a shareholder automatically gives them meaningful influence within a company.The realit...
17/06/2026

Many people assume that becoming a shareholder automatically gives them meaningful influence within a company.

The reality can be very different when one group controls decisions and another feels excluded from information, participation, or benefits. Minority shareholders may sometimes find themselves locked out of important decisions while still carrying the financial consequences of those decisions.

South African company law provides remedies in situations where conduct becomes unfairly prejudicial, unfair, or inequitable towards a shareholder. The purpose is to protect shareholders when the balance between ownership and fair treatment begins to break down.

Business relationships often work best when expectations, responsibilities, and decision-making processes are clearly documented from the beginning.

Read more: https://meyerattorneys.co.za/2026/03/02/minority-shareholder-oppression/

A business owner signs a lease for new premises. The business is growing, the location works, and the monthly rental fit...
11/06/2026

A business owner signs a lease for new premises. The business is growing, the location works, and the monthly rental fits the budget. Like many people, he focuses on the practical details of the deal and signs the agreement.

A year later, trading becomes difficult and the company eventually closes its doors. Then comes an unexpected demand for payment. Not from the company, but from the owner personally.

The answer is often found in a personal surety clause. By signing as surety, a person agrees to take personal responsibility for certain debts if the company cannot meet its obligations. These clauses are common in commercial agreements, yet they are frequently overlooked while attention is focused on rental amounts, payment terms, and operational needs.

A contract is about more than the opportunity it creates today. It is also about understanding who carries the risk tomorrow. Taking the time to understand every obligation before signing can help prevent expensive surprises later.

Before signing your next business agreement, ask yourself one simple question: if the company cannot pay, who is responsible?

You buy a house. The seller tells you the transfer should take around 8 weeks.Four months later, you still do not have t...
09/06/2026

You buy a house. The seller tells you the transfer should take around 8 weeks.

Four months later, you still do not have the keys, the transfer has not been registered, and nobody seems able to give you a clear answer.

What now?

Property transfers can be delayed for many reasons. Municipal clearance certificates, bond approvals, rates figures, compliance certificates, deceased estates, or documentation issues can all slow the process down. The first step is understanding where the delay is happening and whether anyone has failed to meet their obligations.

Many buyers assume they can simply walk away from the deal if the process takes longer than expected. The answer depends on the terms of the sale agreement, the cause of the delay, and whether either party is in breach. Before making any decisions, it is worth getting clarity on your rights and obligations under the contract.

Property transfers involve more moving parts than many people realise. Understanding the process early can help avoid frustration later.

Buying or selling property? Knowing where responsibility lies can make all the difference.

Many people assume liquidation means a company simply closes and disappears.The reality is more structured.Once liquidat...
08/06/2026

Many people assume liquidation means a company simply closes and disappears.

The reality is more structured.

Once liquidation begins, a liquidator is appointed to identify and collect assets, investigate claims, and distribute available funds according to legal priorities. Creditors, employees, and other stakeholders may all be affected by the process.

The amount creditors eventually receive depends on factors such as available assets, outstanding liabilities, and the ranking of claims. Every liquidation follows a regulated process designed to ensure fairness and accountability.

Understanding what happens after liquidation helps businesses and creditors make informed decisions during difficult circumstances.

Business challenges can arise unexpectedly, but knowing how liquidation works can help remove some of the uncertainty.

Buried in the middle of a contract is often a clause called a dispute resolution clause, and many people skim past it.Ye...
05/06/2026

Buried in the middle of a contract is often a clause called a dispute resolution clause, and many people skim past it.

Yet this clause can determine where disputes are heard, how they are handled, whether mediation is required first, and how much time and money may ultimately be spent resolving the matter.

Two contracts may deal with the same subject but produce very different outcomes because of the way this clause is drafted.

Some of the most important parts of a contract are not the ones people focus on first.

The next time you sign an agreement, spend a little extra time on the clauses that describe what happens when things go wrong.

Many buyers think the process is complete once the offer to purchase has been signed.In reality, that is where much of t...
04/06/2026

Many buyers think the process is complete once the offer to purchase has been signed.

In reality, that is where much of the work begins.

The agreement must be accepted, finance may need to be approved, various certificates may need to be obtained, rates clearance figures must be issued, and transfer documents must be prepared. Several parties become involved before registration can take place.

Property transfers often feel slow because many steps happen behind the scenes. Understanding the process helps buyers and sellers manage expectations and identify potential delays early.

A signed offer is an important milestone, but it isn't the final step.

Thinking about buying property? Understanding the journey after signing can make the process far less stressful.

Most property delays happen long before registration reaches the Deeds Office. A missing compliance certificate, unresol...
01/06/2026

Most property delays happen long before registration reaches the Deeds Office. A missing compliance certificate, unresolved municipal figures, or an unsigned document can quietly slow the process down for weeks while buyers and sellers wait for updates that feel vague or inconsistent.

What catches many people off guard is that a property transfer involves several moving parts operating at the same time. Attorneys, banks, municipalities, estate agents, SARS, and the Deeds Office all form part of the chain. When one requirement stalls, the entire transfer often pauses with it. Understanding where delays usually happen can help sellers prepare earlier and reduce unnecessary stress during the transaction.

Property transactions move far more smoothly when expectations are realistic and paperwork is handled proactively from the beginning. If you are buying or selling property, it helps to understand the process before signing anything.

Read more here:
https://meyerattorneys.co.za/2026/02/18/property-transfer-delays/

A promotion dispute is not always about disappointment. In some cases, it becomes a legal issue when the process itself ...
29/05/2026

A promotion dispute is not always about disappointment. In some cases, it becomes a legal issue when the process itself appears inconsistent, biased, or procedurally unfair.

South African labour law recognises that employees may challenge promotion decisions under unfair labour practice provisions. This often happens where internal procedures were ignored, interview processes lacked transparency, or employees with stronger qualifications or experience were overlooked without proper explanation. The CCMA does not decide who “deserved” the promotion most. It examines whether the employer followed a fair and reasonable process.

Workplace disputes around promotions usually leave lasting tension inside a business. Clear criteria, documented processes, and consistent communication often matter just as much as the final decision itself.

Read the full article here:
https://meyerattorneys.co.za/2026/02/20/unfair-labour-practice-promotion/

Many business owners only realise a company has been deregistered when a bank account stops working, a tender applicatio...
28/05/2026

Many business owners only realise a company has been deregistered when a bank account stops working, a tender application fails, or annual returns suddenly become impossible to file.

Company deregistration through the CIPC can happen for several administrative reasons, particularly when annual returns remain outstanding for an extended period. Restoration is possible, although the process usually involves more than simply submitting a request. Supporting documents, tax compliance, outstanding returns, and proof that the company was active may all become relevant depending on the circumstances.

For businesses that still hold assets, contracts, or trading activity, early action is important. A deregistered company can create complications that affect operations, ownership, and future transactions.

Learn more about the restoration process here:
https://meyerattorneys.co.za/2026/02/23/cipc-company-restoration/

Some companies reach a point where nobody can move forward because the decision-makers no longer agree on how the busine...
27/05/2026

Some companies reach a point where nobody can move forward because the decision-makers no longer agree on how the business should operate. Equal voting rights may sound balanced on paper, although in practice they can create complete standstills.

Shareholder deadlocks often develop gradually through disagreements about finances, management decisions, strategy, or business direction. Without mechanisms in place to resolve disputes, businesses may struggle to approve budgets, sign contracts, or continue daily operations effectively. South African company law does provide remedies, although the appropriate solution depends heavily on the shareholder agreement, the structure of the company, and the severity of the conflict.

A well-drafted shareholder agreement often becomes most valuable during periods of tension rather than growth. Deadlock clauses, dispute procedures, and exit mechanisms can make a significant difference when relationships become strained.

Read the full article here:
https://meyerattorneys.co.za/2026/02/16/shareholder-deadlock-remedies/

Address

Unit 3, 1024 Saxby Avenue, Eldoraigne
Centurion
0157

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30
Thursday 08:30 - 16:30
Friday 08:30 - 14:00

Telephone

+27126538445

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Meyer & Partners Attorneys posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Meyer & Partners Attorneys:

Shortcuts

Share

Category