The Ohio Voting Trust Agreement is a legal document that establishes a trust arrangement between shareholders or owners of a corporation and a designated trustee. This agreement ensures that voting rights and responsibilities associated with the shares are transferred to the trustee for a specified period. Ohio's Voting Trust Agreement is governed by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 1707.24, which outlines the requirements and procedures for creating and executing this trust arrangement. It provides a framework for shareholders to consolidate their voting power and appoint a trustee to exercise these rights on their behalf. There are two primary types of Ohio Voting Trust Agreement: 1. Statutory Voting Trust: This type of agreement allows shareholders to transfer their shares, along with their voting rights, to a trustee. The trustee then exercises these rights as directed by the terms of the trust agreement. Statutory voting trusts must comply with the provisions outlined in ORC Section 1707.24. 2. Common Law Voting Trust: Unlike the statutory voting trust, the common law voting trust is not explicitly defined by Ohio law. However, it operates on the principles of common law and is recognized in Ohio courts. This type of voting trust is typically established through a written agreement among shareholders and a trustee, specifying the terms and conditions under which the shares are transferred and voting rights are exercised. Both types of Ohio Voting Trust Agreement function to consolidate shareholder voting power, ensuring a unified approach to decision-making and corporate governance. These agreements are often utilized in situations where shareholders intend to achieve a specified outcome, such as facilitating a corporate merger, acquisition, or restructuring. In summary, the Ohio Voting Trust Agreement is a legally binding arrangement that enables shareholders to transfer their voting rights to a trustee for a defined period. Through this agreement, shareholders can consolidate their voting power and ensure a unified voice in corporate decision-making. Whether established under statutory provisions or common law principles, the Ohio Voting Trust Agreement serves as a valuable tool for shareholders aiming to shape the future of a corporation while maintaining control over their interests.