Document background
The Articles of Association and Shareholders Agreement serve as the foundational documents for companies operating under Austrian law. These documents are typically required when establishing a new company or restructuring an existing one in Austria, combining both the statutory requirements for company formation and the contractual arrangements between shareholders. The Articles of Association portion must comply with Austrian corporate law requirements (particularly the GmbHG for limited liability companies or AktG for stock corporations) and requires notarization, while the Shareholders Agreement contains additional provisions governing the relationships between shareholders. Together, these documents establish the company's structure, governance framework, shareholder rights and obligations, share transfer restrictions, and dispute resolution mechanisms. They are particularly crucial for companies with multiple shareholders or complex ownership structures, requiring careful consideration of both mandatory legal requirements and practical business needs.
