{"id":225610,"date":"2024-01-13T04:16:54","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T15:16:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?p=225610"},"modified":"2024-12-11T16:29:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T03:29:43","slug":"board-resolutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/corporations\/board-resolutions\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should Board Resolutions Cover?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The directors of a company are responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the business. In a company, the shareholders own the company and appoint the directors to fulfil this role. When the board of directors decides on behalf of the company, the directors may need to pass a board resolution approving this decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documenting these decisions by resolution is essential so that the company has a record of its key decisions and the prior approvals for such decisions. Additionally, it is essential that the directors have considered their director duties and that directors have complied with legal requirements before making these decisions. This article covers what board resolutions are and some of the legal considerations contained in board resolutions.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Board Resolutions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A board or directors resolution is a formal decision passed and signed off by the directors of a company. Companies usually have board resolutions<\/a> to document important significant decisions or actions of the company officially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Board resolutions are also important documents for ensuring that the company\u2019s shareholders’ agreement and constitution have been considered before crucial decisions have been passed. A company\u2019s shareholders agreement may specify that a certain director or shareholder approval threshold is obtained before the company makes certain decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Board resolutions require an ordinary resolution of over half (50%) of the directors, a special resolution of 75% of the directors, or a unanimous resolution of 100% of the directors. It is possible to sign board resolutions electronically, which helps enable speedy decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal Considerations for Board Resolutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As well as complying with the company\u2019s shareholders agreement and company constitution, board resolutions may also need to comply with certain legal requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Major Transactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before the company enters into a significant transaction (a single transaction worth more than half of the company\u2019s assets), the directors should ensure that shareholders are aware of this and that relevant board resolution documentation exists. Additionally, the directors must ensure that the company has obtained prior 75% shareholder approval of the significant transaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Issuing Shares<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the company issues new shares to a new or existing shareholder, the board of directors must ensure that the share issue is in the company’s best interests. Additionally, the directors need to obtain the proper approvals under the company\u2019s shareholders’ agreement and\/or constitution alongside waivers of the current shareholders’ pre-emptive rights<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Interested Directors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If a director has a material interest in a key decision the company is undertaking, the director must disclose this interest in the company\u2019s interests register. This usually occurs when a director may or will obtain a material financial benefit from the company\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If this is the case, it is essential that the directors record this into the interests register of the company. Failure to do so may result in a financial penalty for breach of directors’ duties or result in the voiding of the decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Solvency Test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Under the Companies Act 1993<\/em>, certain situations may require the board of directors to ensure the company satisfies the solvency test<\/a>. These situations could include the distribution of dividends to shareholders, the company purchasing its shares, providing financial assistance to obtain shares, or undertaking an amalgamation. <\/p>\n\n\n

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In addition to preparing a board resolution for any of these decisions, the directors should sign a solvency certificate stating that the company meets the solvency test. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Shareholder Resolutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain decisions that the board undertakes on behalf of the company will first require shareholder approval. For any key decisions (such as significant transactions or issuing new shares) which cannot be decided on by the board alone, board resolutions must ensure that the board has obtained the required shareholder approvals before having the company enter into these decisions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n

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