Shareholders' Agreement Template

What is a shareholders' agreement?

A shareholders' agreement governs the relationship between a company's shareholders: board composition, share transfers, pre-emption rights, drag-along and tag-along rights, and how disputes and exits are handled.

When you need one

A company has more than one shareholder
Bringing in an investor or a new shareholder

Key clauses included

Board and reserved matters
Pre-emption on new shares
Transfer restrictions and right of first refusal
Drag-along and tag-along
Good and bad leaver
Dividend policy
Deadlock resolution

What the template covers

Shareholdings
Board of Directors
Reserved Matters
Pre-emption on New Shares
Transfer of Shares
Drag-Along and Tag-Along
Leavers
Dividends
Deadlock
Restrictive Covenants
Confidentiality
Priority
General
Governing Law and Disputes
Schedule 1: Shareholders

How to use it

Buy and download the editable Word file.
Fill in the brackets: names, dates, fees, scope and governing law. Delete options that don't apply.
Check it against local law, and have a lawyer review it for high-value deals.
Sign it on paper or with any e-signature tool.

Frequently asked questions

What format is the template in?

You get an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file that also opens in Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice.

Can I use this template in my country?

The templates are written for international use with placeholders for governing law and local details. Contract law differs between countries and states, so check the final document against local law, especially for employment and consumer contracts.

Is this legal advice?

No. A template is a starting point, not advice on your situation. For high-value or unusual deals, have a lawyer review the completed document.

How do I receive the file?

Right after payment you are taken to a download page, and PayPal emails you a receipt. Keep the download page link to download the file again.

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