Business Buy Sell Agreement Sample Apr 2026

A buy-sell agreement, often called a "business will," is a legally binding contract between co-owners that governs how interests in a company are transferred if an owner leaves, retires, or passes away. Core Components of a Buy-Sell Agreement

Requiring one or more independent certified business appraisers to determine fair market value.

This clause ensures that if an owner receives an outside offer, they must first offer the same terms to the existing partners or the company, preventing unwanted third parties from entering the ownership circle. Why Sample Agreements Matter business buy sell agreement sample

A set dollar amount updated annually by the owners. Formula-Based: Using a multiple of EBITDA or revenue.

The agreement must specify how the buyout will be paid for. Life insurance policies are frequently used to fund buyouts upon death, while cash reserves or installment notes (promissory notes) are used for retirement or resignation. A buy-sell agreement, often called a "business will,"

This section defines exactly what circumstances activate the agreement. Common triggers include death, permanent disability, retirement, voluntary resignation, or a personal bankruptcy that might jeopardize company assets. Structure of the Buyout:

Using a sample as a template helps owners visualize the "what-if" scenarios that could paralyze a business. Without these clear rules, a departing owner's spouse or an executor could suddenly become your new, untrained business partner. Why Sample Agreements Matter A set dollar amount

This is the most vital part of a sample agreement. It outlines how the business will be valued at the time of the trigger. Common methods include: