Checklist - Buy/Sell Agreements - Contingencies

A buy-sell agreement is an agreement between the owners of the business for purchase of each others interest in the business. Such an agreement will spell out the terms governing sale of company stock to an outsider and thus protect control of the company. It can be triggered in the event of the owner's death, disability, retirement, withdrawal from the business or other events. Life insurance owned by the corporation is often used to provide the funds to purchase the shares of a closely held company if one of the owners dies.

The time to prevent disputes is before they occur. Experience proves that owners anxieties created in dealing with one another are inversely proportional to the effort they spend addressing business problems in the event that they should happen. Dealing with these contingencies before they manifest themselves is the secret to a harmonious business relationship with other owners, Use the checklist below to determine areas where you may need assistance.