A North Dakota Voting Trust Agreement is a legal document that establishes a formal arrangement between a shareholder and the voting trustees regarding the control and governance of the shareholder's voting rights. This agreement is commonly used when a shareholder wishes to temporarily transfer their voting rights to a trustee or group of trustees. The main purpose of a North Dakota Voting Trust Agreement is to centralize voting power in the hands of a designated trustee or trustees, who then exercise the voting rights on behalf of the shareholder. This arrangement can be advantageous in various situations, such as during mergers, acquisitions, or when a shareholder wants to consolidate voting power. The agreement typically states that the shareholder has physically issued their share certificates to the care of a depository, who holds them in trust for the designated voting trustees. The voting trustees are then authorized to exercise all the voting rights associated with the shares during the specified period mentioned in the agreement. In North Dakota, there are various types of Voting Trust Agreements that can be employed, depending on the specific requirements of the shareholder and the circumstances of the voting rights transfer. Some of these variations may include: 1. Statutory Voting Trust Agreement: This type of agreement conforms to the statutory laws and regulations imposed by the North Dakota government. It ensures that the trust agreement is compliant with all legal requirements and provides a standardized framework for the transfer of voting rights. 2. Non-Statutory Voting Trust Agreement: Unlike the statutory variation, a non-statutory Voting Trust Agreement is not bound by specific government regulations. This type allows shareholders to tailor the agreement based on their specific needs, offering greater flexibility and customization. 3. Terminable Voting Trust Agreement: This type of agreement specifies a predetermined termination date or condition upon which the voting rights would revert to the shareholder. It offers a temporary transfer of voting power to the designated trustees, keeping a time limit on the arrangement. 4. Irrevocable Voting Trust Agreement: As the name suggests, an irrevocable trust agreement generally means that once the agreement is established, it cannot be modified or revoked without the mutual consent of all parties involved. This type of agreement provides stability and long-term planning for the shareholder. It is important to note that each Voting Trust Agreement can vary in its terms and conditions, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the parties involved. Consulting with legal professionals familiar with North Dakota laws is essential to ensure compliance and to draft an agreement that serves the best interests of the shareholder and voting trustees.