How to Create a Buy Sell Agreement

Creating a buy-sell agreement is an essential task for any business that has multiple owners. This legal document is designed to protect each owner`s interest and ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly if one owner leaves or passes away. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a buy-sell agreement that will protect your business and its owners.

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Agreement

The first step to creating a buy-sell agreement is deciding which type of agreement you need. There are two main types of buy-sell agreements: cross-purchase agreements and entity-purchase agreements. Cross-purchase agreements require each owner to purchase the departing owner`s share of the business. In entity-purchase agreements, the business entity, itself, purchases the departing owner`s share. Generally, cross-purchase agreements are best suited for businesses with just a few owners while entity-purchase agreements are ideal for businesses with a larger number of owners.

Step 2: Determine the Value of the Business

The second step in creating a buy-sell agreement is determining the value of the business. This can be a complex process, so it`s best to involve a professional business appraiser. They will analyze your company`s financial statements, assets, liabilities, and other factors to get a fair market value.

Step 3: Choose the Funding Method

The next step is to decide on the funding method for the buy-sell agreement. There are several options for financing the agreement, including cash, loans, or insurance. Life insurance is one of the most popular methods, as it can provide the necessary funds to buy out a departing owner`s share without depleting the company`s resources.

Step 4: Draft the Buy-Sell Agreement

After selecting the right type of agreement, determining the value of the business, and choosing the funding method, it`s time to draft the buy-sell agreement. This document should include the following information:

– The names of the owners and the business

– The type of agreement (cross-purchase or entity-purchase)

– The trigger events that will activate the agreement (death, disability, retirement, etc.)

– The purchase price for the departing owner`s share

– The terms of payment

– The method of funding

– The process for handling disputes

Step 5: Review and Revise the Agreement

After drafting the buy-sell agreement, it`s essential to review and revise it regularly to ensure it still meets the needs of the business and its owners. Factors such as changes in ownership, the business`s value, and industry regulations may require updates to the agreement. To help ensure the agreement stays up-to-date, many businesses schedule regular reviews with their legal and financial advisors.

In conclusion, a buy-sell agreement is a crucial document that protects the interests of a business`s owners and their families. To create the best agreement, you need to choose the right type of agreement, determine the value of the business, choose the funding method, draft the agreement, and review and revise it regularly. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a buy-sell agreement that will help your business thrive for years to come.