SME governance

Recommended Prerequisites

Corporate law in general

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical lessons. The evaluation will be performed on the basis of a report written and presented by the student.

Learning Outcomes

PhD candidates are expected to master the core issues relating to governance (administration and monitoring) of private limited companies as the most prominent type of companies among SME, both in today's positive law and prospective legal reforms 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction. Forms of SME, with a focus on private limited SME companies

2. Division of responsibilities between shareholders (general shareholders' meeting) and managers

3. Shareholders' competence to deliberate on management issues

4. Structure and functioning of the administration and representation body

5. Managers' duties and responsibilities

6. Transactions between the company and related parties (managers, shareholders)

7. Protection of minority shareholders (special rights, deliberative majorities, rules on profit distribution and on remuneration of managers)

8. Non organic and organic monitoring of the administration

9. Auditing of accounts

10. Shareholders' agreements and stability of the company personnel

 

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 100.0%

Bibliography

Abreu, J. M.  Coutinho de, Curso de Direito Comercial, Vol II - Das Sociedades, 4.ª ed, Almedina, Coimbra, 2011 (reimpr. 2013, 2014), Governação das Sociedades Comerciais, 2.ª ed., Almedina, Coimbra, 2010, Responsabilidade Civil dos Administradores de Sociedades, 2.ª ed., Almedina, Coimbra, 2010, "Negócios entre Sociedade e Partes Relacionadas (Administradores, Sócios)", DSR (Direito das Sociedades em Revista) 9 (2013), p. 13 - 25

Fleckner, Andreas M./Hopt, Klaus J. (ed.), Comparative Corporate Governance - A Functional and International Analysis, Cambridge University Press, 2013

Martins, Alexandre Soveral, " 'Pais, Filhos, Primos e etc., Lda': As sociedades  por quotas familiares (uma introdução)", DSR 10 (2013), p. 39-74

United Nations, "Micro, small and medium - sized enterprises - Features of simplifed business incorporatins regims (Febr. 2014)