A share purchase agreement is a legal contract that sets out the terms and conditions of the sale and purchase of shares in a company. It is important to have a clear understanding of the key terms in a share purchase agreement before entering into the transaction. In this article, we will discuss some of the key terms that are typically included in a share purchase agreement.
- Purchase price: The purchase price is the amount that the buyer agrees to pay for the shares. This may be a fixed amount or it may be calculated based on a formula, such as a multiple of the company’s earnings.
- Closing date: The closing date is the date on which the transaction is completed and ownership of the shares is transferred to the buyer.
- Representations and warranties: Representations and warranties are statements made by the seller about the company and its business. These statements are designed to give the buyer confidence that they are making a sound investment. If any of the representations or warranties turn out to be false, the buyer may be entitled to compensation.
- Conditions precedent: Conditions precedent are events that must occur before the transaction can be completed. These may include obtaining regulatory approvals or satisfying other conditions that are set out in the agreement.
- Indemnification: Indemnification is a promise by the seller to compensate the buyer for any losses that may arise from certain events, such as a breach of a representation or warranty.
- Non-compete agreement: A non-compete agreement is a promise by the seller not to compete with the company for a certain period of time after the transaction is completed.
- Governing law: The governing law clause specifies the law that will govern the interpretation of the agreement and the resolution of any disputes that may arise.
- Termination: The termination clause sets out the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated before the closing date.
- Escrow: An escrow is a third-party arrangement where money or assets are held by a neutral party until certain conditions are met. In a share purchase agreement, an escrow may be used to hold back a portion of the purchase price to cover any indemnification claims that may arise.
- Post-closing obligations: The post-closing obligations clause sets out the obligations of the buyer and seller after the closing date. These may include providing access to financial records, cooperating in the event of legal proceedings, or transferring contracts and licenses.
In conclusion, a share purchase agreement is a complex legal document that requires careful attention to detail. Understanding the key terms that are typically included in a share purchase agreement can help ensure that the transaction is completed successfully and that both parties are protected.