Some of the common triggers include death, disability, retirement or other termination of employment, the desire to sell an interest to a non-owner, dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, bankruptcy or insolvency, disputes among owners, and the decision by some owners to expel another owner.
If your business is solely owned, or owned solely by legally married spouses or registered domestic partners, a Buy-Sell Agreement may not be necessary (although succession planning is still a crucial aspect to consider).
Insurance is often a very efficient method of funding a buy-sell arrangement. If insurance is not possible, other options include planning to borrow the necessary funds and/or installment buyouts.
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.
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.
A buy and sell agreement may also be called a buyout agreement, a business will, or a business prenup.
These agreements work by first purchasing life insurance policies for each business owner, with the other owner(s) named the beneficiary. If a partner passes away, the surviving owners receive a death benefit to use toward purchasing the deceased owner's stake in the business.
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.
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.