The West Virginia Shareholders' Agreement with Buy-Sell Agreement Allowing Corporation the First Right of Refusal to Purchase the Shares of Deceased Shareholder is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale of shares in a corporation upon the death of a shareholder. This agreement is crucial for maintaining control and stability within the corporation and ensuring the smooth transfer of ownership. In this agreement, the corporation is granted the first right of refusal to purchase the shares of a deceased shareholder should the beneficiaries of the deceased shareholder desire to sell those shares. This means that before the shares can be sold to any outside party, the corporation has the opportunity to purchase them at a price predetermined in the agreement. This provision allows the corporation to maintain its ownership structure and prevent the dilution of control by outside investors. There can be different types of West Virginia Shareholders' Agreement with Buy-Sell Agreement Allowing Corporation the First Right of Refusal to Purchase the Shares of Deceased Shareholder, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the shareholders and the corporation. Some common variations include: 1. Ownership Percentage: The agreement may detail the percentage of shares that the corporation has the first right of refusal to purchase. This can be based on the total share capital or the deceased shareholder's holding. 2. Purchase Price: The agreement would specify the method for determining the purchase price of the shares. This may include using a pre-determined formula, a valuation conducted by an independent appraiser, or based on the fair market value at the time of the deceased shareholder's death. 3. Timeline for Exercise: The agreement would establish a timeframe within which the corporation must exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the shares. This ensures that a timely decision is made, and the rights of the beneficiaries are not unduly delayed. 4. Transfer Restrictions: The agreement may contain additional provisions on the transfer of shares, such as prohibiting the beneficiaries from selling to competing entities or requiring them to offer the shares to existing shareholders before seeking outside buyers. 5. Dispute Resolution: The agreement may include a mechanism for resolving any disputes that arise during the exercise of the first right of refusal, such as mediation or arbitration. It is important for any corporation and its shareholders in West Virginia to consider a comprehensive Shareholders' Agreement with a Buy-Sell Agreement allowing the corporation the first right of refusal to purchase the shares of a deceased shareholder. Such an agreement provides clarity, protection, and stability to both the corporation and its shareholders during periods of transition and ensures the organization's long-term viability.