A Washington Buy Sell Agreement between Shareholders and a Corporation is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions for the purchase or sale of shares within a corporation. It is commonly used in business transactions where shareholders or owners want to establish certain conditions for the transfer of ownership interests. This agreement is crucial in protecting the interests of both the corporation and its shareholders, as it helps establish the procedures and guidelines for the orderly transfer of ownership stakes. It ensures that a smooth transition occurs and prevents conflicts or disputes that may arise during the process. There are several types of Washington Buy Sell Agreements between Shareholders and a Corporation, including: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In this type of agreement, shareholders of a corporation agree to purchase the shares of another shareholder upon specified triggering events such as death, disability, retirement, or voluntary sale. Each shareholder agrees to buy and own a proportionate share of the departing shareholder's interest. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: This agreement involves the corporation itself repurchasing the shares of a departing or deceased shareholder. The corporation utilizes its own funds to buy back the shares, which are then typically canceled or held as treasury stock. 3. Hybrid Agreement: This type of agreement combines elements of both the Cross-Purchase and Stock Redemption agreements. It allows either the corporation or the shareholders to purchase the shares of a departing shareholder, depending on the triggering event or circumstances. The Washington Buy Sell Agreement between Shareholders and a Corporation typically includes the following key elements: 1. Parties: It identifies all the parties involved in the agreement, including the corporation and its shareholders. 2. Purchase Price: It establishes the price at which the shares will be bought or sold, along with any terms for payment, such as lump sum or installment payments. 3. Triggering Events: It specifies the events that will trigger the execution of the agreement, such as the death, disability, retirement, or voluntary sale of a shareholder. 4. Restrictions on Transfer: It may include restrictions on transferring shares to outside parties, ensuring that existing shareholders have the first right of refusal to acquire the shares. 5. Valuation Method: It outlines the method used to determine the fair market value of the shares being bought or sold, which may involve the use of appraisers or other agreed-upon valuation methods. 6. Funding Mechanism: It describes how the purchase price will be funded, whether through personal funds, corporate funds, insurance policies, or loans. 7. Dispute Resolution: It establishes the process to resolve any disputes that may arise during the course of executing the agreement, including the choice of arbitration or mediation. 8. Governing Law: It specifies that the agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Washington, ensuring compliance with Washington state regulations and statutes. In summary, a Washington Buy Sell Agreement between Shareholders and a Corporation is a crucial legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for transferring ownership interests within a corporation. By establishing clear guidelines and procedures, it helps to ensure a smooth and orderly transition while protecting the interests of both the corporation and its shareholders.