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).
Buy/sell agreements use life insurance to fund the transfer of business ownership in the event of an owner's death or disability. The life insurance proceeds provide liquidity to remaining owners or the business, ensuring a smooth transition while securing the financial future of the departing owner's family.
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.
sell agreement provides a plan for the orderly transfer of any owner's business interest. Consider a buysell agreement for your business if: You have two or more owners. You want to provide protection in the event of any owner's termination of employment, retirement, divorce, disability, or death.
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.
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.
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.
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.