Washington Voting Trust and Divestiture Agreement refers to a legal agreement that is commonly used in corporate transactions and management changes to address potential conflicts of interest, ensure transparency, and protect the interests of shareholders. The agreement allows for the transfer of voting rights to a designated party or trustee for a specific duration, granting them the authority to vote on behalf of the shares held in the trust. This ensures that decisions regarding the shares are made in line with the best interests of the shareholders as a whole. There are several types of Washington Voting Trust and Divestiture Agreements, each serving a specific purpose: 1. Shareholder Voting Trust Agreement: This type of agreement is entered into when shareholders of a company transfer their voting rights to a trustee, who then assumes the responsibility of voting on their behalf during certain defined circumstances or for a specified timeframe. The trustee exercises these voting rights in accordance with the instructions outlined in the agreement. 2. Divestiture Trust Agreement: This agreement comes into play during the divestiture or sale of a company. It involves the transfer of voting rights to a trustee, who is responsible for voting on behalf of the shares held in trust during the divestiture process. The trustee ensures that the interests of the shareholders are protected and that decisions related to the divestiture are made in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders. 3. Management Voting Trust Agreement: In situations where there is a change in management or a significant corporate event (such as a merger or acquisition), a management voting trust agreement may be executed. This type of agreement allows existing or incoming management to transfer their voting rights temporarily to a trustee who, during the defined period, exercises those voting rights on behalf of the management. This ensures consistency in decision-making and helps maintain stability during transitional periods. Washington Voting Trust and Divestiture Agreements are regulated by state laws in Washington and may differ from those in other jurisdictions. These agreements play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and the protection of shareholder rights during important corporate decision-making processes.