Title: North Dakota Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreement of Stock in a Close Corporation with Agreement of Spouse Introduction: A Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreement is a crucial legal document for close corporations in North Dakota. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for shareholders looking to buy or sell their stock within the corporation, while also addressing the involvement and agreement of their spouses. In North Dakota, there are several types of Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreements with specific variations based on the circumstances. Let's delve into the comprehensive details of this agreement. Key terms: 1. Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreement 2. Stock 3. Close Corporation 4. Agreement of Spouse 5. North Dakota 6. Corporation Shareholders 7. Stock Buy-Sell Options Types of North Dakota Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreements: 1. Traditional Buy-Sell Agreement: The traditional Buy-Sell Agreement allows shareholders, with the agreement of their spouses, to outline predetermined terms for the transfer of stock ownership. This agreement typically includes terms like purchase price, payment methods, triggering events (such as death, disability, retirement), and provisions for the spouse's consent. 2. Entity-Purchase Agreement: The Entity-Purchase Agreement is one type of Buy-Sell Agreement where the corporation itself is mandated to buy the stock of a departing shareholder. This agreement can offer advantages such as favorable tax treatment to the remaining shareholders, as the corporation is the purchasing entity. 3. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In contrast to an Entity-Purchase Agreement, a Cross-Purchase Agreement involves individual shareholders purchasing the stock of a departing shareholder. This agreement is usually selected when there are a limited number of shareholders, and it helps maintain the proportional ownership distribution. 4. Wait-and-See Agreement: A Wait-and-See Agreement provides flexibility to shareholders as it allows them to choose between an Entity-Purchase Agreement or a Cross-Purchase Agreement when a triggering event occurs. This type of agreement enables the shareholders to evaluate prevailing circumstances at that time before finalizing the purchase arrangements. Key Components of North Dakota Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreement: 1. Spousal Consent: North Dakota law requires the agreement to include the spouse's explicit consent since stock ownership could potentially affect marital property rights. The spouse's signature acknowledges their approval and understanding of the transaction. 2. Valuation of Stock: The agreement should address the method for valuing the stock being bought or sold, considering factors such as book value, fair market value, or an independent appraiser's assessment. The chosen valuation method should be specified to avoid future disputes. 3. Triggering Events: Triggering events, such as death, disability, retirement, divorce, or voluntary sale, should be clearly defined and detailed in the agreement. Clauses concerning these events should outline the specific conditions that initiate the stock buy-sell process. 4. Funding Mechanisms: The agreement should stipulate how the buying and selling transactions will be funded, such as through cash reserves, promissory notes, insurance policies, or a combination of these options. Conclusion: North Dakota Shareholders' Buy-Sell Agreement of Stock in a Close Corporation with Agreement of Spouse is a legally binding document that provides clear guidelines for shareholders within a close corporation. Having a well-drafted agreement ensures an orderly transfer of stock, mitigating the risk of disputes or unforeseen issues. It is imperative for shareholders to consult legal professionals while crafting this agreement to address the specific needs and circumstances of their close corporation and maintain compliance with North Dakota laws.