A shareholders' agreement is an agreement entered into between all or some of the shareholders in a company. It regulates the relationship between the shareholders, the management of the company, ownership of the shares and the protection of the shareholders. They also govern the way in which the company is run.
Many buy-sell agreements address only death as a triggering event, but it is important to address issues such as retirement, bankruptcy, divorce and disability. You should review your agreement to ensure all contingencies are covered. In addition, business valuations may need to be updated from time to time.
If you don't have a binding buy-sell agreement in place, your business is at risk. Without a clear succession plan, disputes can arise among partners—or their surviving spouses—that lead to loss of valuable time, increased expenses, and costly litigation.
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.
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.
However, the effectiveness of shareholders' agreements in preventing litigation often diminishes over time as the agreements stop reflecting current circumstances. Likewise, poor draftsmanship or one-sided provisions can similarly hinder the effectiveness of a shareholders' agreement in avoiding future litigation.
By combining a buy-sell agreement with life insurance funding, business owners can rest assured that their businesses will remain financially stable and operations will continue smoothly, even in the face of unforeseen events.
"Agreement to Sell" is a contractual document where the seller has committed to sell the property to the buyer at a future date upon fulfilling specific conditions.
Below are four critical topics you and your lawyer should consider when drafting your company's buy-sell agreement. Identify the Parties Involved. Agree on the Trigger Events. Agree on a Valuation Method. Set Realistic Expectations and Frequently Review the Agreement Terms.