We succeeded in a recent corporate commercial litigation involving probate matters.

In Re Skylab Limited [2025] HKCFI 596, our client obtained the grant of representation to act as an executrix of the estate (the “Estate”) of her deceased father (the “Deceased”) who owns shares in a company (the “Company”). We served a notice pursuant to section 158(1) of the Companies Ordinance, requiring the Company to register the Deceased’s shares in our client’s name. The Company gave no response.

Deputy High Court Judge Le Pichon held that the Company is bound to accept the grant of representation as sufficient evidence, and our client being the executrix of the Estate is the only person recognised by law as the full owner of the Deceased’s shares. The Court ordered that the shares in the name of the Deceased be registered in the name of our client.

This case demonstrates that the corporate commercial litigations can be impactful in high-net-worth families with estate disputes. A company operating family business may be deadlocked or mismanaged by persons taking advantage of a member’s death. The present registration regime fulfils the deceased member’s last wishes by enabling shareholders’ rights to be transmitted to the designated person.

This case is led by our Senior Partner Mr. Peter Sit, and assisted by our Partner Mr. Mathew Liu, Senior Associate Ms. Theresa Law and Litigation Associate Ms. Shirley Yu.

Please read the Decision.