A corporation whose shares are held by a single shareholder or a closely-knit group of shareholders (such as a family) is known as a close corporation. The shares of stock are not traded publicly. Many of these types of corporations are small firms that in the past would have been operated as a sole proprietorship or partnership, but have been incorporated in order to obtain the advantages of limited liability or a tax benefit or both.
A buy-sell agreement is an agreement between the owners (shareholders) of a firm, defining their mutual obligations, privileges, protections, and rights.
Guam Buy-Sell Agreement between Shareholders of Closely Held Corporation: A Comprehensive Overview When engaging in business transactions within Guam's closely held corporations, it is crucial to establish a Buy-Sell Agreement between shareholders. This legally binding contract outlines the terms and conditions governing the buying and selling of shares in such corporations. By having a well-drafted Buy-Sell Agreement, shareholders can protect their rights, ensure a smooth transition of ownership, and minimize potential conflicts. Key Elements of a Guam Buy-Sell Agreement: 1. Shareholder Provisions: The agreement specifies the shareholders involved and their respective ownership percentages. It outlines how shares can be transferred and under what circumstances, such as death, disability, retirement, divorce, or voluntary sale. 2. Valuation Methods: To determine the fair market value of shares during a buyout, various valuation methods can be utilized, including the book value, earnings multiple, or independent appraisal. The agreement should clearly state the preferred approach and how disputes regarding valuation will be resolved. 3. Right of First Refusal: The Buy-Sell Agreement may grant existing shareholders the right of first refusal, meaning that any shareholder intending to sell their shares must offer them to the other shareholders first at the determined fair market value. This provision preserves the existing ownership structure and discourages external ownership. 4. Financing Terms: In cases where the purchasing shareholder requires financing, the agreement can specify the terms and conditions of such financing arrangements. This may include interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral requirements. 5. Mandatory vs. Optional Redemption: A Buy-Sell Agreement can outline whether the redemption of shares by the corporation is mandatory or optional. In mandatory redemption, the corporation is obligated to buy back shares from a departing shareholder under specified circumstances. In optional redemption, the corporation has the choice to repurchase shares. Types of Guam Buy-Sell Agreements: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: Under this type of agreement, each shareholder agrees to buy the shares of a departing shareholder in proportion to their existing ownership percentages. This is common when there are only a few shareholders. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In this agreement, the corporation itself buys back the shares of a departing shareholder, maintaining ownership within the corporation. This is often preferred when the corporation has sufficient funds or wants to avoid dilution of ownership. 3. Combined Buy-Sell Agreement: This agreement combines aspects of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements. It allows the corporation and other shareholders to have the option to purchase departing shareholders' shares, providing flexibility in the event of a buyout. In conclusion, a Guam Buy-Sell Agreement between shareholders of a closely held corporation is an essential tool in ensuring the orderly transfer of shares and protecting shareholders' interests. By addressing key elements, such as shareholder provisions, valuation methods, right of first refusal, financing terms, and redemption options, the agreement provides clarity and minimizes conflicts. Consider the type of agreement that best suits your corporation's needs, whether it be a cross-purchase, stock redemption, or combined buy-sell agreement. Seek professional legal advice to draft a comprehensive and tailored agreement that safeguards all parties involved.
Guam Buy-Sell Agreement between Shareholders of Closely Held Corporation: A Comprehensive Overview When engaging in business transactions within Guam's closely held corporations, it is crucial to establish a Buy-Sell Agreement between shareholders. This legally binding contract outlines the terms and conditions governing the buying and selling of shares in such corporations. By having a well-drafted Buy-Sell Agreement, shareholders can protect their rights, ensure a smooth transition of ownership, and minimize potential conflicts. Key Elements of a Guam Buy-Sell Agreement: 1. Shareholder Provisions: The agreement specifies the shareholders involved and their respective ownership percentages. It outlines how shares can be transferred and under what circumstances, such as death, disability, retirement, divorce, or voluntary sale. 2. Valuation Methods: To determine the fair market value of shares during a buyout, various valuation methods can be utilized, including the book value, earnings multiple, or independent appraisal. The agreement should clearly state the preferred approach and how disputes regarding valuation will be resolved. 3. Right of First Refusal: The Buy-Sell Agreement may grant existing shareholders the right of first refusal, meaning that any shareholder intending to sell their shares must offer them to the other shareholders first at the determined fair market value. This provision preserves the existing ownership structure and discourages external ownership. 4. Financing Terms: In cases where the purchasing shareholder requires financing, the agreement can specify the terms and conditions of such financing arrangements. This may include interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral requirements. 5. Mandatory vs. Optional Redemption: A Buy-Sell Agreement can outline whether the redemption of shares by the corporation is mandatory or optional. In mandatory redemption, the corporation is obligated to buy back shares from a departing shareholder under specified circumstances. In optional redemption, the corporation has the choice to repurchase shares. Types of Guam Buy-Sell Agreements: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: Under this type of agreement, each shareholder agrees to buy the shares of a departing shareholder in proportion to their existing ownership percentages. This is common when there are only a few shareholders. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In this agreement, the corporation itself buys back the shares of a departing shareholder, maintaining ownership within the corporation. This is often preferred when the corporation has sufficient funds or wants to avoid dilution of ownership. 3. Combined Buy-Sell Agreement: This agreement combines aspects of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements. It allows the corporation and other shareholders to have the option to purchase departing shareholders' shares, providing flexibility in the event of a buyout. In conclusion, a Guam Buy-Sell Agreement between shareholders of a closely held corporation is an essential tool in ensuring the orderly transfer of shares and protecting shareholders' interests. By addressing key elements, such as shareholder provisions, valuation methods, right of first refusal, financing terms, and redemption options, the agreement provides clarity and minimizes conflicts. Consider the type of agreement that best suits your corporation's needs, whether it be a cross-purchase, stock redemption, or combined buy-sell agreement. Seek professional legal advice to draft a comprehensive and tailored agreement that safeguards all parties involved.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés.
For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.