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. This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
A shareholders' agreement is a vital legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of shareholders in a closely held corporation. In Arizona, there are specific provisions that need to be included in a shareholders' agreement between two shareholders, particularly when it involves buy-sell provisions. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth description of what an Arizona Shareholders' Agreement is and explain different types available. An Arizona Shareholders' Agreement is a legally binding contract between two shareholders of a closely held corporation. It ensures that both parties understand their respective rights and responsibilities regarding the corporation's management, operation, and potential sale of shares. This agreement can help prevent future disputes, provide clarity, and establish a clear roadmap for decision-making processes. One type of Arizona Shareholders' Agreement between two shareholders of a closely held corporation includes buy-sell provisions. These provisions are designed to address situations where a shareholder wishes to sell their shares or is forced to sell due to specific triggering events, such as death, disability, divorce, bankruptcy, or retirement. Buy-sell provisions establish a framework for fair valuation of shares, pre-determined methods of sale, and protection against unwanted third-party involvement. The following are different types of Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In this type, each shareholder has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the shares of the other shareholder in the event of an agreed-upon triggering event. The remaining shareholder(s) buy out the departing shareholder's shares in proportion to their ownership percentage. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In contrast to a cross-purchase agreement, the corporation itself buys back shares from the departing shareholder. The remaining shareholder(s) maintain their ownership percentage, and the corporation often pays for the shares using cash reserves or acquiring debt. 3. Hybrid Agreement: This agreement combines elements of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements. It provides flexibility, allowing shareholders to choose whether they want to purchase the departing shareholder's shares individually or have the corporation redeem them. The Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions typically includes several critical clauses, such as: — Trigger Events: Clearly defines the specific events that would trigger the buy-sell provisions, such as death, permanent disability, divorce, bankruptcy, or retirement. — Valuation Methods: Provides detailed guidelines for valuing the shares, such as using book value, fair market value, or a pre-determined formula. This ensures a fair and objective method to determine the purchase price. — Funding Mechanisms: Specifies how the purchasing shareholder or the corporation will fund the purchase, whether through personal funds, third-party financing, or corporate resources. — Right of First Refusal: Grants the remaining shareholder(s) the first opportunity to purchase the departing shareholder's shares before offering them to third parties. This protects the interests of existing shareholders and maintains control within the corporation. — Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Establishes procedures to resolve any conflicts or disagreements that may arise during the buy-sell process, such as mediation or arbitration. By drafting a comprehensive Arizona Shareholders' Agreement tailored to the needs of two shareholders in a closely held corporation, potential conflicts and uncertainties are minimized. It ensures a smooth transition during triggering events, protects the interests of both parties, and facilitates a fair sale of shares. In conclusion, an Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions is a crucial document to govern the relationship between two shareholders in a closely held corporation. By including specific clauses and addressing different triggering events, such as death or retirement, the agreement provides a clear framework for the sale and purchase of shares. Different types of such agreements include cross-purchase, stock redemption, and hybrid agreements.
A shareholders' agreement is a vital legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of shareholders in a closely held corporation. In Arizona, there are specific provisions that need to be included in a shareholders' agreement between two shareholders, particularly when it involves buy-sell provisions. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth description of what an Arizona Shareholders' Agreement is and explain different types available. An Arizona Shareholders' Agreement is a legally binding contract between two shareholders of a closely held corporation. It ensures that both parties understand their respective rights and responsibilities regarding the corporation's management, operation, and potential sale of shares. This agreement can help prevent future disputes, provide clarity, and establish a clear roadmap for decision-making processes. One type of Arizona Shareholders' Agreement between two shareholders of a closely held corporation includes buy-sell provisions. These provisions are designed to address situations where a shareholder wishes to sell their shares or is forced to sell due to specific triggering events, such as death, disability, divorce, bankruptcy, or retirement. Buy-sell provisions establish a framework for fair valuation of shares, pre-determined methods of sale, and protection against unwanted third-party involvement. The following are different types of Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In this type, each shareholder has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the shares of the other shareholder in the event of an agreed-upon triggering event. The remaining shareholder(s) buy out the departing shareholder's shares in proportion to their ownership percentage. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In contrast to a cross-purchase agreement, the corporation itself buys back shares from the departing shareholder. The remaining shareholder(s) maintain their ownership percentage, and the corporation often pays for the shares using cash reserves or acquiring debt. 3. Hybrid Agreement: This agreement combines elements of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements. It provides flexibility, allowing shareholders to choose whether they want to purchase the departing shareholder's shares individually or have the corporation redeem them. The Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions typically includes several critical clauses, such as: — Trigger Events: Clearly defines the specific events that would trigger the buy-sell provisions, such as death, permanent disability, divorce, bankruptcy, or retirement. — Valuation Methods: Provides detailed guidelines for valuing the shares, such as using book value, fair market value, or a pre-determined formula. This ensures a fair and objective method to determine the purchase price. — Funding Mechanisms: Specifies how the purchasing shareholder or the corporation will fund the purchase, whether through personal funds, third-party financing, or corporate resources. — Right of First Refusal: Grants the remaining shareholder(s) the first opportunity to purchase the departing shareholder's shares before offering them to third parties. This protects the interests of existing shareholders and maintains control within the corporation. — Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Establishes procedures to resolve any conflicts or disagreements that may arise during the buy-sell process, such as mediation or arbitration. By drafting a comprehensive Arizona Shareholders' Agreement tailored to the needs of two shareholders in a closely held corporation, potential conflicts and uncertainties are minimized. It ensures a smooth transition during triggering events, protects the interests of both parties, and facilitates a fair sale of shares. In conclusion, an Arizona Shareholders' Agreement with buy-sell provisions is a crucial document to govern the relationship between two shareholders in a closely held corporation. By including specific clauses and addressing different triggering events, such as death or retirement, the agreement provides a clear framework for the sale and purchase of shares. Different types of such agreements include cross-purchase, stock redemption, and hybrid agreements.