Templates

Waiver of Pre-emption Rights Template

This waiver of pre-emption rights template is a letter under which an existing shareholder agrees to waive any rights, known as 'pre-emption rights' or 'rights of first refusal', that they may have to be offered shares that are being transferred by another shareholder or issued by a company. Read more
LegislationGB-EAW
TopicsUpdated by a lawyer: 20 Jan 2026

What is a pre-emption waiver letter?

The basics: This waiver of pre-emption rights template is a letter under which an existing shareholder agrees to waive any rights (known as 'pre-emption rights' or 'rights of first refusal') they may have to be offered shares that are being transferred by another existing shareholder to someone else or which are being issued by a company. These rights allow a shareholder to either consolidate their shareholding (in the case of a transfer of existing shares) or protect their shareholding against dilution (in the case of an issue of new shares) if they so choose.

This 'waiver' ensures that none of the existing shareholders can claim that they weren't given the opportunity to exercise their pre-emption rights or rights of first refusal.

Where are pre-emption rights set out?

A company's articles of association or shareholders' agreement may require a written waiver to be provided by any existing shareholders who do not wish to exercise their pre-emption rights. You wouldn't use this document where a company's articles of association or shareholders' agreement allow for pre-emption rights to be ignored or 'disapplied' by shareholder resolution or with the consent of a certain group of shareholders.

Find out more about pre-emption rights here.

How is the waiver of pre-emption rights template executed?

Deed: This document should be signed as a deed, which means, in the case of a company, by two directors, one director and a secretary (if appointed) or one director in the presence of a witness and, in the case of an individual, by that individual in the presence of an independent witness. It can be used for up to three shareholders at any one time.

Why Docue?

Lawyer-made content: This waiver of pre-emption rights template is drafted and maintained by expert company law lawyers. Our modern technology, combined with our lawyer-made content, allows you to create lawyer-grade legal documents with just a few clicks. The waiver of pre-emption rights template also includes guidance prepared by our lawyers that supports you through the drafting process.

Full contract solution: Docue’s cutting-edge technology combined with our lawyer-made content allows you to create, customise, e-sign, store and manage your contracts all in one place, Docue Drive.

Affordable: At Docue, we believe in transparent and cost-effective pricing without any hidden fees. You can check out our pricing here.

Tags: pre-emption waiver template, pre-emption rights, waiver of rights, shareholder waiver, shareholder rights waiver, waiver of pre-emption rights template

Docue gives you access to 150+ high-quality legal templates drafted and maintained by UK lawyers. Trusted by 100,000+ companies.

"We needed an instant fix for writing contracts and looked around at alternatives, but Docue was superior. Easy to engage with and a wide range of templates."

Darrell Arnold

Founder & CEO, Servicedek

"Docue gave us professional contracts that we know are legally written, and cover us in a way that's easy for a non-expert to understand."

Andrew Cowen

Chief Commercial Officer, Komerz

Half-year legal health check: is your business protected going into H2?

June marks a natural pause point in the business calendar. The first half of the year is behind you - targets have been chased, new suppliers onboarded, staff hired, and clients won. But as you look ahead to H2, there's one question worth asking before the summer holiday season kicks in and the pace slows: are your legal foundations actually keeping up with your business? For many UK SMEs, legal documents fall into a "set it and forget it" trap. A contract gets signed, filed away, and nobody looks at it again until something goes wrong. But businesses evolve quickly, and the legal and regulatory landscape evolves with it. What protected you eighteen months ago may not fully protect you today. Here's a practical guide to the key areas worth reviewing before you head into the second half of 2026.

Heather Stark

2.6.2026

Mental health in the workplace: is your SME doing enough to stay compliant?

With Mental Health Awareness Week upon us (11 - 17 May 2026), many UK SMEs are reflecting on how they support employee wellbeing. For business owners, the conversation often sits between two pressures: the moral desire to support your team, and the legal responsibility to comply with workplace obligations. In reality, these aren’t separate conversations. In 2026, expectations around mental health at work are clearer and higher than ever. Here’s how to understand what’s legally required and where best practice strengthens your position.

Heather Stark

11.5.2026

The 'Handshake Deal' Trap: why verbal agreements are such a risk

In the fast-paced world of UK startups, speed is often seen as the ultimate asset. When you’re sitting in a coffee shop or on a Zoom call with a potential partner, freelancer or co-founder, it’s tempting to say, "Great, we’re on the same page - let’s just get started," and seal the deal with a metaphorical handshake. It feels agile. It feels like trust. But in the eyes of the law, it could be a minefield.

Heather Stark

2.4.2026