A California Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale and purchase of shares between shareholders and the corporation. This agreement is designed to provide a mechanism for the smooth transfer of ownership in the event of certain triggering events, such as death, disability, retirement, bankruptcy, or divorce of a shareholder. The Buy Sell Agreement is essential for the corporation to maintain control over its ownership structure and prevent unwanted third parties from becoming shareholders. It ensures that the remaining shareholders have the right of first refusal to purchase the shares of the departing shareholder, thereby maintaining the corporate structure and protecting the interests of the remaining shareholders. There are several types of California Buy Sell Agreements between shareholders and corporations, including: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In this type of agreement, each shareholder has an individual obligation to purchase the shares of a departing shareholder. The remaining shareholders will buy and hold the departing shareholder's shares directly. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: Under this agreement, the corporation itself has the obligation to buy back the shares of a departing shareholder. The remaining shareholders will not be directly involved in the purchase; instead, the corporation will act as the buyer and retire the shares. 3. Hybrid Agreement: This type of agreement is a combination of the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements, incorporating elements from both approaches. The agreement may allow certain shareholders to purchase the shares directly, while the corporation has the option to redeem the shares if no shareholder exercises their right of first refusal. The California Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation typically includes the following key provisions: 1. Triggering Events: The agreement will outline the specific events that will trigger the obligation to buy and sell shares, such as death, disability, or retirement. 2. Valuation Method: A method for determining the price of the shares being sold must be established to ensure fairness to all parties involved. Common valuation methods include using the book value, fair market value, or a predetermined formula. 3. Funding Mechanisms: The agreement will specify how the buying and selling of shares will be funded. Common methods include using personal funds, insurance policies, or corporate funds. 4. Right of First Refusal: This provision gives the remaining shareholders the opportunity to purchase the shares before they can be sold to an outside party. 5. Restrictions on Transfer: The agreement may restrict the transfer of shares by shareholders to outside parties without the consent of the other shareholders or the corporation. 6. Dispute Resolution: The agreement may include provisions for resolving disputes that may arise between the parties, such as through mediation or arbitration. In summary, a California Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation is a crucial component of corporate governance. It ensures an orderly transition of ownership in the event of triggering events and protects the interests of shareholders and the corporation. The specific type of agreement and its provisions will depend on the circumstances and preferences of the shareholders and the corporation involved.