The problem of "Dead Souls" has been known in Russia since the 19th century, following the release of N.V. Gogol's eponymous poem. In our century, this concept has evolved to refer to shareholders who are formally listed in registers but do not actively participate in the company’s affairs. This category of shareholders is also called "lost." In recent years, the issue of "Dead Souls" has been increasingly raised in the legal community, underscoring the practical importance of resolving this problem. The discussion is not limited to theoretical debates but is also reflected in specific legislative initiatives.

In this article, the authors analyze a draft law currently being considered by the State Duma of the Russian Federation, which would allow the temporary suspension of certain rights of shareholders who have not participated in the management of the company for an extended period. The authors also critically examine the emerging judicial practice that grants companies the right to buy back shares from such shareholders at their own discretion.

Additionally, the article discusses a potential mechanism for resolving the issue of "lost" shareholders, aiming to maintain a balance between the interests of the company and the shareholder whose shares are subject to buyback.

Legislative Initiative and Alternative Ideas for Solving the Issue of "Lost" Shareholders

In 2022, the State Duma of the Russian Federation passed in the first reading Federal Draft Law No. 103501-8 "On Amendments to the Federal Law on Joint-Stock Companies" and Article 8 of the Federal Law "On the Securities Market" (hereinafter referred to as the Draft Law), which allows joint-stock companies to suspend...

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Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.