Trigger events will determine when your buy-sell agreement will come into play. Common circumstances include the death, disability, retirement or voluntary departure of a partner, but may extend to additional scenarios, such as divorce or individual bankruptcy.
What should be included in a buy-sell agreement? Any stakeholders, including partners or owners, and their current stake in the business' equity. Events that would trigger a buyout, such as death, disability, divorce, retirement, or bankruptcy. A recent business valuation.
Buy-sell agreements are commonly used by sole proprietors, closed corporations and partnerships. Most buy-sells require that the business shares be sold back to the company or the remaining members of the business. In the case of the death of a partner, the estate must agree to sell.
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. About the Author.
Generally, they should include the following information: A list of the partners or owners involved and their current equity stakes. A recent business valuation, which is used to place a value on each partner's interest. Events that trigger a buyout, such as death, disability, bankruptcy, or retirement.
Elements of a buy-sell agreement include: Any stakeholders, including partners or owners, and their current stake in the business' equity. Events that would trigger a buyout, such as death, disability, divorce, retirement, or bankruptcy. A recent business valuation.
A buy and sell agreement (buy-sell agreement) is a legal remedy for establishing a clear plan of how to distribute the shares of a departed or deceased partner to the remaining ones. In the case of a death, life insurance policies are used to fund the buyout of shares from the deceased's estate.
While Shareholder Agreements might touch on provisions related to the transfer of shares or prohibiting transfers, a Buy-Sell Agreement is more specific and effective. It ensures that transitions are handled in a way that aligns with the owners' expectations and the business's financial stability.
Therefore, shareholder agreements are often called buy/sell agreements. The agreement should define persons to whom stock may be transferred without triggering any implications.
A buy and sell agreement may also be called a buyout agreement, a business will, or a business prenup.