A New York Shareholders' Agreement is a legally binding contract between two shareholders of a closely held corporation. This agreement outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of each shareholder and provides a framework for resolving disputes and governing the operations of the corporation. The agreement typically includes buy-sell provisions, which establish procedures for buying or selling shares of stock in the event of certain triggering events, such as the death, disability, retirement, or voluntary departure of a shareholder. These provisions ensure a smooth transition of ownership and protect the interests of all parties involved. There are different types of New York Shareholders' Agreements with buy-sell provisions, each tailored to address specific situations and goals. These may include: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: This type of agreement allows shareholders to purchase the shares of a departing shareholder directly from them. Each shareholder agrees to buy a proportionate number of shares, based on their ownership percentage. This arrangement is commonly used when there are only a few shareholders, and it simplifies the process by eliminating the need for the corporation to be involved in the transfer of shares. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In this type of agreement, the corporation itself agrees to buy back the shares of a departing shareholder. The corporation uses its own funds to repurchase the shares, effectively retiring them. This arrangement can be advantageous when the corporation has sufficient resources to fund the buyout and wants to maintain control by preventing shares from being sold to outsiders. 3. Hybrid Agreement: A hybrid agreement combines elements of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements. It allows shareholders to choose whether they want to sell their shares to the remaining shareholders or have the corporation buy them back. This arrangement provides flexibility for shareholders to decide the best option based on their individual circumstances. New York Shareholders' Agreements with buy-sell provisions play a vital role in protecting the interests of shareholders and ensuring the smooth operation of closely held corporations. These agreements are essential tools for establishing clear guidelines and procedures for the transfer of ownership, thus minimizing potential disputes and maintaining the stability of the corporation.