The articles of association and shareholders' agreement may also specify that existing shareholders have the right of first refusal when a shareholder wishes to sell their shares. This means the shares must be offered to existing shareholders before they can be sold to anyone else.
Many people wonder whether it is possible to write their own shareholders' agreement or whether a solicitor is required. We believe that it is quite possible to draw it yourself, provided that you use a good template as a basis (such as our own).
We have 5 steps. Step 1: Decide on the issues the agreement should cover. Step 2: Identify the interests of shareholders. Step 3: Identify shareholder value. Step 4: Identify who will make decisions - shareholders or directors. Step 5: Decide how voting power of shareholders should add up.
What is included in a shareholder agreement? Decision making. The shareholder agreement states how business decisions are made. Joining the business. Provide for what happens in the event of death or incapacity. Settle internal disputes. Anticipating certain situations.
What to Think about When You Begin Writing a Shareholder Agreement. Name Your Shareholders. Specify the Responsibilities of Shareholders. The Voting Rights of Your Shareholders. Decisions Your Corporation Might Face. Changing the Original Shareholder Agreement. Determine How Stock can be Sold or Transferred.
It should describe how the business will be run, how problems between shareholders will be handled, and clarify the responsibilities and benefits of each shareholder. A shareholder agreement outlines the details of a corporation so that there is no confusion as to the rights of each shareholder from the beginning.
While a buy-sell agreement typically addresses the sale of shares among co-owners of a business, a shareholder agreement may address a wider range of issues, including the management and control of the business, the distribution of profits, and the appointment of directors and officers.