Setting up Share Classes

How to Add a New Share Class

Share classes define the different types of shares your company can issue, each with their own rights, restrictions, and characteristics. This guide walks you through creating a new share class in Fidura, including setting up voting rights, dividends, and other important attributes.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following information ready:

• Share class name: A descriptive name like "Ordinary Shares" or "Preferred Series A"
• Share prefix: A short code like "ORD" or "PREF-A" for certificate numbering
• Authorized quantity: The maximum number of shares that can be issued
• Nominal price: The par value per share (must be greater than €0)
• Board and shareholder approval dates: If applicable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Navigate to Share Classes

1. In the left sidebar, click on Share Classes
2. Click the "Add Share Class" button in the top-right corner

Step 2: Enter Basic Share Class Information

1. Prefix: Enter a short identifier (e.g., "ORD", "PREF-A")

This will be used for certificate numbering: ORD-001, ORD-002, etc.

2. Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Ordinary Shares", "Preferred Series A")
3. Share Class Type: Choose between:
   • Common: Standard shares with voting rights
   • Preferred: Shares with special rights or preferences
4. Number of Available Shares: Enter the maximum number of shares that can be issued
5. Nominal Price: Set the par value per share (must be greater than €0)
6. Default Issue Price: Optional default price for new share issuances
7. Effective At: Choose when this share class becomes active

Step 3: Configure Advanced Options (Optional)

Click "Advanced Options" to configure additional settings:

Approval Dates

• Shareholder Approval Date: When shareholders approved this share class
• Board Approval Date: When the board approved this share class

Rights and Restrictions

• Voting Rights: Enable if shares carry voting rights
• Voting Multiplier: Set if shares have enhanced voting (e.g., 10 votes per share)
• Dividends: Enable if shares are entitled to dividends
• Dividend Type: Choose cumulative or non-cumulative
• Certified: Enable if physical certificates will be issued

Pre-emption Rights

• Allotment Pre-emption Rights: Existing shareholders have first right to buy new shares
• Transferability Pre-emption Rights: Existing shareholders have first right to buy transferred shares
• Transferability Restrictions: Additional restrictions on share transfers

Step 4: Review and Create

1. Review all the information you've entered
2. Click "Create Share Class" to save your new share class

Your new share class has been created and is now available for issuing shares.

What Happens Next

After creating your share class, you can:

• Issue shares to stakeholders using this share class
• View and manage the share class from the Share Classes page
• Create capital actions to modify authorized quantities or nominal prices
• Set up equity plans that convert to this share class

Common Questions

Technical Implementation

When a new share class is created, the following actions are applied:

1. The amount of authorized capital of the share class increases the total authorized share capital of the company
2. The user can issue shares up to the share capital of the share class
3. A share class has the fields configured during creation