The Maine Right of First Refusal Clause for a Shareholders' Agreement is a provision that allows existing shareholders in a company to have the first opportunity to purchase additional shares of stock before they are offered to outside parties. It ensures that existing shareholders maintain their proportional ownership in the company and have the ability to control and protect their financial interests. The Right of First Refusal Clause in Maine can be categorized into different types based on the specific terms and conditions outlined in the Shareholders' Agreement. Some of these variations include: 1. Basic Right of First Refusal: This type of clause gives existing shareholders the right to receive an offer to purchase newly issued shares of stock before they are made available to external parties. If a shareholder receives an offer to sell their shares to a third party, they must first offer those shares to existing shareholders at the same price and terms. 2. Right of First Offer: This clause grants existing shareholders the right to be offered shares for sale by another shareholder before they are made available to outside parties. It allows shareholders to have the first opportunity to purchase the shares at a negotiated price. 3. Right of First Negotiation: This type of right gives existing shareholders the exclusive right to engage in negotiations with a selling shareholder for the purchase of their shares. If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties, only then can the selling shareholder explore offers from outside parties. 4. Right of First Refusal Exemption: Under certain circumstances, a Shareholders' Agreement may specify exemptions to the Right of First Refusal Clause. These exemptions can outline specific situations where the clause would not apply, such as transfers to family members or internal reorganizations. 5. Right of First Refusal Waiver: Shareholders who wish to waive their right of first refusal can include a waiver provision in their Shareholders' Agreement. This allows them to freely sell their shares to third parties without offering them to existing shareholders first. These variations of the Maine Right of First Refusal Clause serve to protect shareholders' interests, provide a fair opportunity to purchase additional shares, and maintain control over the ownership structure of the company. Understanding and incorporating the appropriate type of clause in a Shareholders' Agreement is crucial for shareholders in Maine businesses.