The Tennessee Right of First Refusal Clause for Shareholders' Agreement is a crucial provision that outlines the rights and obligations of shareholders in a corporation. It serves as a mechanism to protect the interests of shareholders and maintain control over the ownership of company shares. This clause grants existing shareholders the opportunity to purchase any shares that are being sold or transferred by another shareholder. By exercising their right of first refusal, shareholders have priority over any external parties interested in acquiring shares. In Tennessee, there are primarily two types of Right of First Refusal Clauses commonly found in Shareholders' Agreements. The first type is known as the "Non-Binding Right of First Refusal." This provision gives existing shareholders the option, but not the obligation, to purchase the shares being offered for sale. The shareholder has the power to decide whether they want to exercise their right or pass on the opportunity. However, if they decline, the selling shareholder is free to sell the shares to a third party. The second type is referred to as the "Binding Right of First Refusal." This clause compels the selling shareholder to first offer the shares to existing shareholders before selling them to anyone else. If a shareholder wishes to sell their shares, they are legally obligated to offer them to other shareholders at the same price and on the same terms and conditions as the third-party offer. Existing shareholders have a limited time period to accept or reject the offer. If all shareholders decline the offer, the selling shareholder is then free to proceed with the third-party transaction. The Tennessee Right of First Refusal Clause aims to maintain stability within the corporation and prevent unwanted transfers of ownership to external parties. It ensures that existing shareholders have the opportunity to maintain their proportionate ownership interest in the company while providing a fair process for purchasing shares. This clause is vital in protecting shareholders' rights and preserving the overall integrity of the corporation's ownership structure.