A buyout agreement is a binding legal contract between multiple parties involved in a business entity. The purpose of this document is to outline the future ownership of the company if one of the owners leaves the business.
What is the structure of a business buyout agreement? How does this contract work in Florida? Read on to find out.
How Does Business Buyout Work in Florida? – Preparing the Paperwork
The terms and clauses in a buyout agreement must suit the company’s specific needs. While different companies require distinct contracts, there is a set of fundamental elements that any buyout agreement must include.
Triggering Events
The primary element to address in a buyout agreement is to determine which event can trigger a buyout of one partner’s interest in the company. Common examples of triggering events for a buyout include:
- A partner’s resignation or retirement
- A partner’s bankruptcy
- A partner’s incapacitation, disability, or death
- Divorce settlement involving a partner’s interest share in the company
- Foreclosure of debts secured by an interest share in the company
Accurate Business Valuation
The next step is to identify the accurate price of the business. The contract must provide the value of each owner’s share in the company, the total value of the company, and the methods used in the process.
It is fundamental that the parties preparing the agreement rely on expert guidance during this process, as the value of a business is a dynamic factor. Suddenly, abrupt economic fluctuations, natural disasters, or other similar events could drastically change a business valuation.
Avoiding Potential Issues
When preparing a Florida buyout agreement, it is fundamental not to rely on templates with vague provisions on appraisal. The method used in the business appraisal must be discussed among the owners of the company.
Professional appraisals are expensive, which results in potential conflicts when it is time to pay the bill. A solid buyout agreement must outline who is responsible for paying the bill.
If one of the parties does not agree with the valuation method or any other terms, the best approach is to discuss it until everyone reaches an agreement. Signing any papers while the owners have not reached a full agreement is a mistake.
Is Life Insurance Necessary for Buyouts?
One of the most underrated elements of a buyout agreement is the acquisition of life insurance coverage for the business or the parties involved in the contract. This is an excellent strategy to ensure the amount will cover the approximate buyout value of the company.
After acquiring a proper insurance policy, the business owners must review the terms regularly to ensure the amount of insurance is sufficient to cover the business’s growth and changes in valuation.
Do Not Try to Waive Professional Legal Guidance
The chances of potential mistakes or unprecise language in a buyout agreement increase exponentially when the parties responsible for the contract choose not to rely on expert legal guidance.
If you want a solid buyout agreement, make sure to work with a Florida business contract attorney.
Draft an Ideal Buyout Agreement for Your Company – Contact Jurado & Associates, P.A. Today
A well-versed attorney from Jurado & Associates, P.A. is willing to help you succeed. Immediately call us at (305) 921-0976 or email [email protected] for an individual assessment.
