A Virginia Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation is a legal contract that governs the transfer of shares or ownership interests in a corporation. It is used to outline the rights, obligations, and procedures involved in buying or selling shares between shareholders of a Virginia corporation. This agreement is essential for maintaining a smooth transition of ownership and ensuring the fair treatment of all shareholders. The main purpose of a Buy Sell Agreement is to establish a mechanism through which shareholders can sell their shares or buy shares from other shareholders under pre-determined conditions. It helps to maintain control over who can become a shareholder and protects the interests of both the corporation and its shareholders. Some key components typically included in a Virginia Buy Sell Agreement are: 1. Triggering Events: This section outlines the specific events that can trigger the buy-sell provisions. Common triggering events include death, disability, retirement, divorce, bankruptcy, or voluntary withdrawal of a shareholder. 2. Purchase Price: The agreement should include a mechanism for determining the purchase price of the shares. It may be based on a predetermined formula or set by an independent appraiser. The price should be objective and fair to both parties. 3. Funding: The agreement should address how the purchase will be funded. This can be done through various methods such as cash payments, promissory notes, installment payments, or insurance proceeds. 4. Right of First Refusal: A Buy Sell Agreement often includes a right of first refusal, which grants the remaining shareholders the opportunity to purchase the shares before they are offered to an outside party. This provision helps maintain control within the corporation and ensures that existing shareholders have the first opportunity to buy. 5. Restrictions on Transfer: The agreement may contain restrictions on transferring shares to outside parties without the consent of other shareholders or the corporation itself. This provision ensures that the corporation remains closely held and prevents unwanted shareholders from gaining control. Different types of Buy Sell Agreements may exist, such as Cross-Purchase Agreements and Redemption Agreements. In a Cross-Purchase Agreement, each shareholder agrees to buy the shares of an outgoing shareholder in proportion to their existing ownership. This type of agreement is common in smaller corporations with a limited number of shareholders. In contrast, a Redemption Agreement involves the corporation itself repurchasing the shares of an outgoing shareholder. This type of agreement is often used in larger corporations where the corporation has sufficient funds to repurchase the shares. In conclusion, a Virginia Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation is a crucial legal document that regulates the transfer of ownership interests in a corporation. It protects the interests of the corporation and its shareholders by establishing procedures, determining prices, and maintaining control over share transfers. Understanding the different types of agreements, such as Cross-Purchase and Redemption Agreements, is essential to design the most suitable arrangement for a particular corporation.