What is required for a company to execute a deed using its common seal?

For a company to execute a deed using its common seal, it is required that two authorised signatures be present. This requirement stems from the laws governing company operations, specifically to ensure that there is a proper level of authority and control over the execution of important documents. By requiring two authorised signatures, the company is also protecting itself against the misuse of its seal and enhancing the validity of the transaction.

Having two signatures helps to reinforce accountability and ensures that significant documents, which a deed typically represents, are authorized appropriately within the company's governance framework. This rule is often found in company law, which mandates that the common seal must be affixed in the presence of two directors or one director and the company secretary, thereby promoting diligence in a company's commitment to its legal obligations.

The other options do not meet the necessary regulatory requirements for executing a deed with a common seal. A single director's signature or a company secretary’s signature alone would not suffice as this could lead to potential misuse or abuse of authority within the company. Shareholder approval is typically not a requirement for the execution of deeds unless specified by the company’s articles of association or related contextual circumstances.