Title: Puerto Rico Right of First Refusal Clause for Shareholders' Agreement: A Comprehensive Overview of its Types and Implications Introduction: A crucial aspect of any shareholders' agreement in Puerto Rico is the inclusion of a Right of First Refusal (ROAR) clause. This provision grants the existing shareholders the first opportunity to purchase shares from a selling shareholder before they are offered to any third parties. This article aims to provide a detailed description of the Puerto Rico Right of First Refusal Clause for Shareholders' Agreement, elaborating on its different types and significance within the business landscape. 1. Understanding Right of First Refusal (ROAR) Clause: The Right of First Refusal (ROAR) clause is a mechanism designed to offer protection and control to existing shareholders within a corporation. It grants them the option to buy shares before they are sold to external parties, thus ensuring the preservation of the current shareholder structure. 2. Types of Puerto Rico Right of First Refusal Clause: a) Standard ROAR: The most common type of Right of First Refusal clause in Puerto Rico entails that whenever a shareholder intends to sell their shares, they must first offer them to existing shareholders on the same terms and conditions. Existing shareholders have the option to purchase the shares within a specified timeframe, typically expressed as a notice period. b) Proportional ROAR: Under this variant, existing shareholders are entitled to purchase shares proportionate to their existing holdings. For instance, if a shareholder holding 20% of the company decides to sell, other shareholders can exercise their right to purchase shares equivalent to their respective ownership percentage. c) First-In-Time ROAR: In certain circumstances, shareholders' agreements may include a clause that gives priority to the shareholder who first expresses interest in purchasing shares. This type of ROAR clause allocates shares on a first-come, first-served basis, potentially intensifying competition among existing shareholders. d) Preemptive ROAR: The preemptive variant establishes that existing shareholders have the right to purchase newly issued shares before they are offered to external parties. This ensures the preservation of current ownership proportions and prevents dilution of existing shareholders' control. 3. Significance and Implications: The Puerto Rico Right of First Refusal Clause for Shareholders' Agreement serves several crucial purposes: — Protects existing shareholders by preserving control and ownership structure. — Encourages stability and continuity within the company by limiting the entry of unknown parties. — Ensures fair market value for shareholders by providing them with an opportunity to acquire shares at the same terms as offered to third parties. — Fosters transparency and trust among shareholders, reducing potential conflicts and disputes during share transfers. Conclusion: Including a Puerto Rico Right of First Refusal Clause in a shareholders' agreement is of utmost importance for businesses seeking to protect shareholders' rights and maintain control over share ownership. Whether opting for a standard, proportional, first-in-time, or preemptive ROAR clause, the goal is to provide a balanced framework for existing shareholders while safeguarding the overall stability and interests of the corporation.