Confidentiality – Protecting proprietary or otherwise sensitive corporate information is paramount to running a successful business. For this reason, shareholder agreements typically include confidentiality provisions and non-compete clauses.
A shareholders agreement is a binding contract between the shareholders of a company, which governs the relationship between the shareholders and specifies who controls the company, how the company will be owned and managed, how shareholders' rights may be protected and how shareholders can exit the company.
The shareholders' agreement should cover scenarios such as the sale of shares, shareholder exits and procedures in the event of the death, disability or retirement of a shareholder. Pre-agreed mechanisms for share valuation and sale should also be included to help avoid disputes during such transition periods.
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.
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.
The shareholder agreement should specify the frequency for meetings, quorum to vote on issues, and how meetings can be called when special issues arise. The agreement should also provide the rights and responsibilities of Shareholders and Directors and rules on appointment of Directors.
Any company – whether organized as an LLC, Corporation, or partnership – with more than one shareholder, especially if they are actively involved in the business, should have a shareholder agreement.
Their absence can lead to governance by default state laws, management, and financial disorganization, and increased legal vulnerabilities. LLCS should draft and maintain an operating agreement tailored to their specific business needs.
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.
LLCs do not have shareholders. They have members who share in the profits of the business. The members' share of the profits is taxable as income.