Utilize this in-depth buyout agreement template for seamless business ownership transfers. Covering valuation, payments, warranties, covenants, indemnification, and more—perfect for partnerships, LLCs, or corporations. Order expert customization from Legal Husk to ensure legal compliance and strength in disputes.
Comprehensive Business Buyout Agreement Template
BUYOUT AGREEMENT
This Buyout Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Insert Date] (the "Effective Date"), by and between:
RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Buyer and Seller are co-owners of [Insert Business Name], a [Insert Business Type, e.g., limited liability company/partnership/corporation] organized and existing under the laws of the State of [Insert State] (the "Company");
WHEREAS, the Seller owns [Insert Percentage or Number of Shares/Units/Membership Interests] in the Company (the "Interest"), representing [Insert Percentage]% of the total outstanding ownership interests;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to effect a buyout whereby the Buyer acquires the Seller's entire Interest in the Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein, to facilitate a smooth transition of ownership, minimize disruptions to the Company's operations, and prevent potential disputes or litigation;
WHEREAS, the parties have conducted due diligence and negotiated in good faith to reach this Agreement, acknowledging the mutual benefits of an orderly transfer;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, representations, warranties, and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each party, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF INTEREST
1.1 Agreement to Sell and Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Seller hereby agrees to sell, assign, transfer, convey, and deliver to the Buyer, and the Buyer hereby agrees to purchase and acquire from the Seller, the entire Interest, free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges, encumbrances, claims, charges, restrictions, or equities of any kind whatsoever (collectively, "Encumbrances"), except as expressly permitted herein.
1.2 Transferred Rights. The transfer shall include all rights, titles, benefits, and interests appurtenant to the Interest, including but not limited to: (a) voting rights; (b) rights to distributions, profits, losses, and capital; (c) rights to participate in management or governance; (d) any intellectual property, contracts, or assets specifically tied to the Interest; and (e) all other privileges and obligations associated therewith under the Company's governing documents, such as the operating agreement, partnership agreement, or bylaws.
1.3 Excluded Items. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the transfer shall exclude [Insert any specific exclusions, e.g., personal property not owned by the Company or certain retained rights, if applicable; otherwise state "None"].
2. PURCHASE PRICE
2.1 Total Purchase Price. The total consideration for the purchase and sale of the Interest (the "Purchase Price") shall be [Insert Amount in Dollars] ($[Insert Numerical Amount]), subject to any adjustments as provided herein.
2.2 Valuation Method. The Purchase Price has been determined based on [Insert Valuation Method in detail, e.g., the fair market value of the Interest as determined by an independent third-party appraiser selected by mutual agreement of the parties, using [specify method, e.g., discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, or a fixed formula such as [X] times the Company's average annual EBITDA over the past [Y] years]]. In the event of a dispute regarding valuation, the parties shall [Insert Resolution Process, e.g., engage a second appraiser, with the average of the two valuations being binding, or submit to arbitration].
2.3 Adjustments to Purchase Price. The Purchase Price shall be adjusted post-Closing based on [Insert Adjustment Criteria, e.g., a final working capital calculation as of the Closing Date, with any excess paid to the Buyer or deficiency paid by the Seller within [Z] days of determination; or prorated taxes, expenses, or revenues].
2.4 Payment Terms. The Purchase Price shall be paid as follows: (a) [Insert Initial Payment, e.g., a lump sum of [Amount] ($[Numerical]) due at Closing]; (b) [Insert Installment Details, e.g., the balance of [Amount] ($[Numerical]) payable in [Number] equal monthly/quarterly/annual installments of [Amount] ($[Numerical]) each, commencing on [Date] and continuing on the [day] of each succeeding month/quarter/year thereafter]; (c) [Insert Interest Details, e.g., bearing interest at the rate of [Rate]% per annum, calculated on the unpaid balance]; and (d) [Insert Any Security, e.g., secured by a promissory note and security agreement granting the Seller a lien on the Interest until full payment].
2.5 Payment Method. All payments shall be made by [Insert Method, e.g., wire transfer to the Seller's designated bank account, certified check, or electronic funds transfer]. The Buyer shall provide proof of payment upon request.
2.6 Prepayment. The Buyer may prepay any portion or all of the outstanding balance without penalty or premium.
3. CLOSING
3.1 Closing Date and Location. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall occur on [Insert Date] or such other date as the parties may mutually agree in writing (the "Closing Date"), at [Insert Location, e.g., the offices of [Law Firm/Company] located at [Address], or remotely via electronic exchange of documents and signatures].
3.2 Seller's Deliveries at Closing. At or prior to Closing, the Seller shall deliver to the Buyer: (a) executed assignment and transfer documents, including but not limited to a bill of sale, assignment of membership interests/shares, and any required endorsements; (b) resolutions or consents from the Company's governing body approving the transfer; (c) releases or satisfactions of any Encumbrances on the Interest; (d) all keys, access codes, passwords, records, and tangible property related to the Interest; (e) a certificate of good standing for the Company from the [Insert State] Secretary of State; (f) updated financial statements or disclosures as required; and (g) any other documents reasonably requested by the Buyer to effectuate the transfer.
3.3 Buyer's Deliveries at Closing. At or prior to Closing, the Buyer shall deliver to the Seller: (a) the initial portion of the Purchase Price; (b) an executed promissory note and security agreement, if applicable; (c) any required consents or approvals from third parties, such as lenders; and (d) any other documents reasonably requested by the Seller.
3.4 Simultaneous Actions. All actions at Closing shall be deemed to occur simultaneously, and no action shall be deemed completed until all are completed.
4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING
4.1 Conditions to Buyer's Obligations. The Buyer's obligation to consummate the transactions is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver in writing by the Buyer) of the following conditions: (a) all representations and warranties of the Seller remaining true and correct as of the Closing Date; (b) the Seller having performed all covenants and obligations required hereunder; (c) no material adverse change in the Company's business, assets, or financial condition; (d) receipt of all necessary third-party consents, including from lenders, landlords, or regulatory authorities; (e) completion of satisfactory due diligence by the Buyer; and (f) no pending or threatened litigation affecting the Interest or Company.
4.2 Conditions to Seller's Obligations. The Seller's obligation to consummate the transactions is subject to the satisfaction (or waiver in writing by the Seller) of the following conditions: (a) all representations and warranties of the Buyer remaining true and correct as of the Closing Date; (b) the Buyer having performed all covenants and obligations required hereunder; and (c) receipt of the initial Purchase Price payment.
5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
5.1 Representations and Warranties of the Seller. The Seller represents and warrants to the Buyer as follows, as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date: (a) the Seller has full legal right, power, capacity, and authority to execute this Agreement and transfer the Interest, without violating any law, contract, or obligation; (b) the Interest is owned free and clear of all Encumbrances, and upon transfer, the Buyer will receive good, valid, and marketable title; (c) there are no pending or threatened claims, lawsuits, investigations, or proceedings involving the Seller, the Interest, or the Company that could affect the transfer; (d) the Company is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of [Insert State], with all necessary licenses and permits; (e) all financial statements, books, and records provided to the Buyer are true, complete, and accurate in all material respects, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); (f) the Company has no undisclosed liabilities, contingent or otherwise, except as set forth in [Insert Schedule/Reference]; (g) the Company owns or has valid rights to all intellectual property used in its business, free of infringement claims; (h) all taxes owed by the Company have been paid or adequately reserved; (i) there are no material contracts, leases, or agreements affecting the Company that have not been disclosed; and (j) no broker or finder is entitled to a commission in connection with this transaction except as disclosed.
5.2 Representations and Warranties of the Buyer. The Buyer represents and warrants to the Seller as follows, as of the Effective Date and the Closing Date: (a) the Buyer has full legal right, power, capacity, and authority to execute this Agreement and perform its obligations; (b) the execution and performance of this Agreement do not violate any law, contract, or obligation binding on the Buyer; (c) the Buyer has sufficient funds or financing to pay the Purchase Price; (d) the Buyer is acquiring the Interest for its own account, for investment purposes, and not with a view to distribution or resale in violation of applicable securities laws; (e) the Buyer has conducted its own due diligence and is not relying on any representations outside this Agreement; and (f) no broker or finder is entitled to a commission except as disclosed.
5.3 Disclosure Schedules. All exceptions to the representations and warranties shall be set forth in attached Disclosure Schedules, which are incorporated herein by reference.
5.4 Survival. The representations and warranties shall survive the Closing for a period of [Insert Period, e.g., 18 months], except for fundamental representations (e.g., title to Interest, authority) which shall survive indefinitely, and tax representations which shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
6. COVENANTS
6.1 Pre-Closing Covenants. Between the Effective Date and Closing: (a) the Seller shall cause the Company to operate in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices; (b) no party shall take actions that would make any representation or warranty untrue; (c) the Seller shall provide the Buyer reasonable access to the Company's books, records, and personnel for due diligence; and (d) the parties shall use reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary consents and approvals.
6.2 Non-Compete Covenant. For a period of [Insert Duration, e.g., 3 years] following the Closing Date, the Seller shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in, own, manage, or consult for any business that competes with the Company's business as conducted on the Closing Date, within [Insert Geographic Area, e.g., the United States or a 100-mile radius of the Company's locations]. This covenant is reasonable in scope and necessary to protect the Company's goodwill and trade secrets.
6.3 Non-Solicitation. For the same period, the Seller shall not solicit, hire, or induce any employee, customer, supplier, or business relation of the Company to terminate their relationship with the Company or engage in competitive activities.
6.4 Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality. The Seller shall maintain the confidentiality of all proprietary, confidential, or trade secret information of the Company (the "Confidential Information") and not disclose or use it except as required by law. Confidential Information includes [Insert Examples, e.g., customer lists, formulas, business plans]. This obligation survives indefinitely.
6.5 Transition Assistance. The Seller agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Buyer for [Insert Period, e.g., 6 months] post-Closing to facilitate a smooth transition, including training, introductions to key contacts, and cooperation on ongoing matters, at [Insert Compensation, e.g., no additional cost or an hourly rate of [Amount]].
6.6 Further Assurances. Each party shall execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments, and assurances as may be reasonably requested by the other to consummate the transactions and perfect the transfer.
7. INDEMNIFICATION
7.1 Indemnification by Seller. The Seller shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Buyer, the Company, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Buyer Indemnitees") from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and penalties (collectively, "Losses") arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach of the Seller's representations, warranties, covenants, or obligations hereunder; (b) any Encumbrances or claims on the Interest existing prior to Closing; (c) the Company's operations prior to Closing; or (d) any taxes attributable to the Seller or pre-Closing periods.
7.2 Indemnification by Buyer. The Buyer shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Seller and its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively, "Seller Indemnitees") from and against any Losses arising out of or relating to: (a) any breach of the Buyer's representations, warranties, covenants, or obligations hereunder; or (b) the Company's operations after the Closing Date.
7.3 Indemnification Procedures. Upon notice of a claim, the indemnified party shall promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing. The indemnifying party shall have the right to assume the defense with counsel of its choice, subject to the indemnified party's approval (not to be unreasonably withheld). The parties shall cooperate in the defense. No settlement shall be made without the indemnified party's consent if it imposes obligations beyond payment of money.
7.4 Limitations on Indemnification. Indemnification obligations shall be subject to: (a) a deductible of [Insert Amount, e.g., $10,000] per claim; (b) a cap of [Insert Cap, e.g., the Purchase Price]; and (c) offsets for insurance recoveries or tax benefits. These limitations do not apply to fraud, willful misconduct, or fundamental representations.
7.5 Exclusive Remedy. Except for fraud or equitable relief, indemnification shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for breaches hereunder.
8. TERMINATION
8.1 Termination Events. This Agreement may be terminated prior to Closing: (a) by mutual written consent of the parties; (b) by either party if the other materially breaches any representation, warranty, or covenant and fails to cure within [Insert Period, e.g., 30 days] of notice; (c) by either party if Closing has not occurred by [Insert Drop-Dead Date, e.g., 90 days after Effective Date] due to no fault of the terminating party; or (d) by either party if a governmental authority issues a final order prohibiting the transaction.
8.2 Effect of Termination. Upon termination, all obligations shall cease, except for confidentiality and any accrued liabilities. If terminated due to breach, the non-breaching party may pursue remedies at law or equity.
9. TAX MATTERS
9.1 Tax Representations. The Seller represents that all tax returns for the Company have been timely filed and are accurate, and all taxes due have been paid.
9.2 Tax Allocation. The parties agree to allocate the Purchase Price for tax purposes in accordance with IRC Section 1060 and file consistent Form 8594 with the IRS, as set forth in [Insert Schedule].
9.3 Tax Cooperation. The parties shall cooperate in preparing and filing any required tax returns or reports related to the transaction, including providing necessary information and records.
9.4 Straddle Periods. For any tax period beginning before and ending after Closing (a "Straddle Period"), taxes shall be prorated based on the number of days before and after Closing.
10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
10.1 Negotiation. The parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement through good faith negotiations.
10.2 Mediation/Arbitration. If unresolved within [Insert Period, e.g., 30 days], the dispute shall be submitted to [Insert Method, e.g., non-binding mediation administered by [Organization, e.g., JAMS], followed by binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in [Insert Location]].
10.3 Litigation. If arbitration is not elected, disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in [Insert County/State], with the parties consenting to personal jurisdiction and venue therein.
10.4 Attorneys' Fees. The prevailing party in any dispute shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses.
10.5 Equitable Relief. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in court to enforce covenants such as non-compete or confidentiality without posting a bond.
11. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
11.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of [Insert State], without giving effect to its conflict of laws principles.
11.2 Venue. Any legal action or proceeding arising hereunder shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in [Insert County/State], and the parties irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction thereof.
12. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with its exhibits and schedules, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, or representations, whether oral or written.
12.2 Amendments and Waivers. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against whom it is asserted.
12.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace the invalid provision with one achieving substantially the same purpose.
12.4 Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, successors, permitted assigns, and legal representatives. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, except that the Buyer may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a merger or sale of the Company.
12.5 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, or other communications hereunder shall be in writing and delivered personally, by certified mail (return receipt requested), or by reputable overnight courier to the addresses set forth above (or such other address as a party may designate by notice). Notices shall be deemed given upon receipt.
12.6 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic signatures (e.g., via DocuSign) shall have the same legal effect as original signatures.
12.7 Force Majeure. Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures in performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control, such as acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, or natural disasters, provided it promptly notifies the other and uses reasonable efforts to mitigate.
12.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted successors and assigns, and nothing herein shall give any other person any legal or equitable right, remedy, or claim.
12.9 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect its interpretation.
12.10 Expenses. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except as otherwise provided.
12.11 Specific Performance. The parties agree that irreparable harm would occur if any provision is not performed, and that money damages may be inadequate. Accordingly, each party shall be entitled to seek specific performance and injunctive relief without proving actual damages.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date first above written.
BUYER:
Signature: _______________________________ Printed Name: _______________________________ Date: ________________
[If Entity: Title: _______________________________]
SELLER:
Signature: _______________________________ Printed Name: _______________________________ Date: ________________
[If Entity: Title: _______________________________]
[Notary Acknowledgment, if required in your jurisdiction]
EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES (Attach as Necessary):
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