Vähemmistöosakkaan

Vähemmistöosakas refers to a minority shareholder in Finnish company law. This term denotes an individual or entity that holds a minority of shares in a corporation, typically meaning less than half of the total voting rights or share capital. The rights and protections afforded to vähemmistöosakkaat are designed to prevent the majority shareholders from abusing their power and to ensure fair treatment of all shareholders.

Finnish company law grants specific rights to minority shareholders to safeguard their interests. These can include the right to request a special audit of the company's accounts if there are grounds to suspect mismanagement or irregularities. Minority shareholders may also have the right to demand that a general meeting of shareholders be convened, even if they do not hold a significant portion of the shares, provided certain thresholds are met. Furthermore, they can have the right to initiate legal proceedings against the company or its management in cases of oppression or breach of duty.

The concept of minority shareholder protection is crucial for fostering investor confidence and ensuring the smooth functioning of corporate governance in Finland. While the majority shareholders typically control the decision-making process, the law provides mechanisms for minority shareholders to voice their concerns and seek redress, thereby promoting a more balanced and equitable corporate environment. The exact thresholds and specific rights can vary depending on the type of company and the provisions of its articles of association.