## [Family succession as a shareholder and/or business manager](/en/key-moments/governance-succession/family-succession-as-a-shareholder-andor-business-manager) ### Recognizable situations Situations you recognize, answers that help you move forward. ### How do you manage the interests of different family members as shareholders? When several family members are shareholders, it is important to make clear agreements about roles, rights and expectations. Not every shareholder is active in the company, and not everyone has the same vision on profit distribution, investment or involvement. By discussing these differences in good time, you can prevent tensions and uncertainty. A shareholders' agreement and, if necessary, a family charter can help to lay down these agreements. You can determine who has control, how decisions are made and how you deal with conflicts or the sale of shares. Do you want to maintain harmony within the family and the company? Then it is worthwhile combining open communication with a clear legal structure. #### Contact our experts: ![Koen Steeland](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2023-08/IMG_20230709_100601.jpg?h=4af621f7&itok=N_7g_CBX) Koen Steeland Partner Corporate Finance | Valuations [Contact](/en/contact) #### Relevant articles: - [Partiële splitsing gevolgd door aandelenoverdracht: gunstig vonnis in Antwerpen](/nl/nieuws/partiele-splitsing-gevolgd-door-aandelenoverdracht-gunstig-vonnis-in-antwerpen) #### Relevant services: [Corporate Finance](/en/services/corporate-finance) ### How can you minimise the tax impact of family succession? Family succession often has tax consequences, especially when shares are gifted or inherited. In Flanders, there is a favourable regime for the transfer of family businesses, whereby, under certain conditions, a greatly reduced or even zero inheritance or gift tax applies. However, to benefit from this regime, you must meet specific conditions, such as maintaining the activity for a certain period of time. The structure of your company and the role of the transferor also play a role. Do you want to avoid surprises? Then it is essential that you seek advice in good time and approach your succession in a systematic manner. #### Contact our experts: ![An Lettens](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2019-09/An%20Lettens.jpg?h=203eb4f2&itok=UEOD99Pi "An Lettens") An Lettens Partner Tax & Legal Services [Contact](/en/contact) #### Relevant articles: - [Hoe aandelen overdragen naar de volgende generatie?](/nl/nieuws/hoe-aandelen-overdragen-naar-de-volgende-generatie) #### Relevant services: [Tax & Legal Services](/en/services/tax-legal-services) ### What are the legal implications of transferring shares within the family? A transfer of shares within the family touches on various legal areas. You must take into account the company's articles of association, any shareholder agreements and inheritance law. Certain family members may feel disadvantaged if everything is not done in a legally correct and transparent manner. Provisions regarding approval of the transfer, pre-emptive rights or blocking clauses may also play a role. Do you want to avoid family tensions and ensure the continuity of the company? Then it is crucial to provide a sound legal basis for the transfer and to inform all parties involved correctly. A well-considered approach strengthens confidence in the transition and prevents discussions afterwards. #### Contact our experts: ![Steven Strobbe](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2024-08/Steven%20Strobbe_Moore_2.jpg?h=f379c51b&itok=9foHn1Zo "Steven Strobbe") Steven Strobbe Partner Tax & Legal Services [Contact](/en/contact) #### Relevant articles: - [Uw familiebedrijf overdragen: de fiscale en juridische sleutels tot succes](/nl/events-webinars/uw-familiebedrijf-overdragen-de-fiscale-en-juridische-sleutels-tot-succes) - [Hoe aandelen overdragen naar de volgende generatie?](/nl/nieuws/hoe-aandelen-overdragen-naar-de-volgende-generatie) #### Relevant services: [Tax & Legal Services](/en/services/tax-legal-services) ### What are the best strategies to involve family members in your business? Would you like to involve family members in your company but need guidance on how to do it effectively? The key is to establish clear agreements and have open conversations about roles, expectations and talents. Involvement doesn’t always have to be operational — a family council, advisory board or governance role can also add significant value. By setting transparent arrangements around career paths, compensation and evaluation, you can prevent tensions and build trust. Independent advice helps separate emotions from business decisions. In this way, you strengthen the family’s commitment and lay the groundwork for a sustainable future for your company. #### Contact our experts: ![Wannes Gheysen](/sites/default/files/styles/ratio_1_1/public/2026-04/Wannes%20Gheysen_4486HR.jpg?h=dc1ae8ce&itok=HWhLLmQp "Wannes Gheysen") Wannes Gheysen Managing Partner Corporate Finance [Contact](/en/contact) #### Relevant services: [Corporate Finance](/en/services/corporate-finance) ### Other important moments These topics will help you think, plan and grow further ### Other important moments These topics will help you think, plan and grow further - ### [ Governance & good management ](/en/key-moments/governance-succession/governance-good-management) Read more - ### [ Management & C-level advisory ](/en/key-moments/governance-succession/management-clevel-advisory) Read more ### Are you at a strategic turning point? Whether you want to grow, internationalise, digitise or transfer, we are happy to think along with you. Contact us and discover how we can support the growth of your business. [ Contact us ](/en/contact) ## Structured data (JSON-LD) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.moore.be/en/markdownify/taxonomy/term/1499", "breadcrumb": { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Key moments", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en/key-moments" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Governance & succession", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en/key-moments/governance-succession" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Family succession as a shareholder and/or business manager", "item": "https://www.moore.be/en/markdownify/taxonomy/term/1499" } ] } } ] } ```