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Buy-Sell Agreement
"I need a buy-sell agreement for a merger valued at $5 million, with a 60-day due diligence period, including non-compete clauses for 3 years and a 10% escrow holdback for 12 months."
What is a Buy-Sell Agreement?
A Buy-Sell Agreement acts like a safety net for business partners in the Philippines, spelling out what happens to company ownership when a partner leaves, dies, or wants to sell their shares. It's similar to a prenuptial agreement, but for business relationships.
This legally binding contract, recognized under Philippine corporate law, sets clear rules for share pricing, payment terms, and transfer restrictions. It helps prevent messy ownership disputes and keeps businesses running smoothly during transitions. Filipino entrepreneurs often include right-of-first-refusal provisions, giving remaining partners priority to buy available shares before outside buyers can step in.
When should you use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
Business partners need a Buy-Sell Agreement right when starting their venture in the Philippines, not after problems arise. It's especially crucial for family businesses, professional partnerships, and closely-held corporations where maintaining control over ownership is vital.
Get this agreement in place before major changes occur: when bringing in new partners, planning succession, or when partners have different long-term goals. The Philippine Corporation Code encourages early planning for ownership transitions. Having clear rules about share transfers helps avoid costly legal battles and keeps personal relationships intact during business changes.
What are the different types of Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Buy And Sell Agreement: Standard version for small businesses, covering basic ownership transfer terms and valuation methods
- Buy Sale Agreement: Simplified format focused on straightforward partner buyouts with fixed pricing
- Purchase And Sale Agreement: Comprehensive version with detailed funding provisions and complex valuation formulas
- Real Estate Sales Agreement: Specialized version for property-holding companies with land asset provisions
- Property Sale Contract: Tailored for businesses with significant physical assets requiring special valuation rules
Who should typically use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Business Partners: Primary parties who sign the Buy-Sell Agreement, including co-owners, shareholders, and corporate officers in Philippine companies
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Philippine corporation laws and SEC regulations
- Family Business Members: Use these agreements to protect family interests and manage succession planning
- Corporate Secretary: Maintains records and ensures proper documentation of share transfers
- Estate Executors: Handle ownership transfers according to agreement terms when a partner dies
- Financial Advisors: Help determine fair valuation methods and funding mechanisms for buyouts
How do you write a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather Articles of Incorporation, SEC registration, and current ownership structure
- Ownership Values: Document current share prices and agree on valuation methods for future transfers
- Trigger Events: List specific situations that activate the agreement like retirement, death, or voluntary exit
- Payment Terms: Decide on funding sources, installment options, and payment timeframes
- Transfer Rules: Define right-of-first-refusal terms and restrictions on outside buyers
- Insurance Plans: Consider life insurance policies to fund potential buyouts
- Digital Platform: Use our template generator to create a legally-sound agreement that includes all required elements
What should be included in a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Party Information: Complete legal names and details of all shareholders or partners involved
- Transfer Triggers: Specific events that activate the agreement (death, retirement, disability)
- Valuation Method: Clear formula or process for determining share prices
- Payment Terms: Detailed structure of payment including timing and funding sources
- Transfer Restrictions: Rules limiting who can buy shares and under what conditions
- Dispute Resolution: Philippine arbitration or mediation procedures
- Governing Law: Reference to Philippine Corporation Code and relevant SEC regulations
- Execution Block: Notarized signatures of all parties and corporate acknowledgment
What's the difference between a Buy-Sell Agreement and a Buyout Agreement?
While Buy-Sell Agreements and Buyout Agreements might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in Philippine business law. Buy-Sell Agreements act as ongoing framework documents that establish rules for future ownership transfers, while Buyout Agreements handle immediate, one-time purchases of business interests.
- Timing and Purpose: Buy-Sell Agreements are proactive planning tools set up when business relationships begin, while Buyout Agreements execute specific transactions when an owner exits
- Scope of Coverage: Buy-Sell Agreements cover multiple potential scenarios and triggers, whereas Buyout Agreements focus solely on terms for a specific purchase event
- Valuation Methods: Buy-Sell Agreements typically include flexible formulas for future valuations, while Buyout Agreements state fixed prices for immediate transactions
- Duration: Buy-Sell Agreements remain active throughout the business relationship, but Buyout Agreements terminate once the purchase is complete
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