Published in the November 2, 2018 edition of the Central Penn Business Journal.
When entrepreneurs initially go into business, they are often motivated and excited to embark on a new adventure. At the beginning, they tend to agree on almost everything. Yet 70 percent of business partnerships result in failure. How do you prepare for the worst?
An operating agreement, in the case of a limited liability company, shareholder agreement in the case of a corporation, or a partnership agreement in the case of a general or limited partnership allows you to prepare for the “what-ifs.” When forming a business entity, even if it is a family member or a longtime friend, it is imperative to sit down with a lawyer and outline an agreement.
An agreement among business owners protects you and the other owners when disagreements arise. The agreement helps to avoid conflict which may arise between owners and it helps to alleviate situations where there could be confusion, disagreement or change. The agreement may, along with other considerations, take into account the following information:
- Percentage of ownership
Within the agreement, the owners will confirm the amount that each will contribute to the business and the corresponding equity that each owner holds.
- Description of management powers and decision-making
Roles and responsibilities for each party should be established in the beginning of the business relationship. That means outlining how decisions are made, and how the roles and responsibilities may change in the future. The agreement will lay out terms regarding a decision-making process that may include a voting system or another method to enforce checks and balances among owners.
An effective agreement places limits on decisions either party can make, or awards control of the business to one of the owners.
- Length of the business relationship
Often, a business entity continues for an unspecified amount of time. There are some instances where an entity is designed to dissolve after reaching a specific milestone. In the alternative, the entity may dissolve if certain events occur (unanimous consent of owners, bankruptcy, etc.) This information should be included in the agreement, even if there isn’t a specified time frame.
- Entity termination or death of a party
The owners should, at the outset of the relationship, consider the impact of a party’s death or incapacity, or the premature departure of an owner from the business. The agreement may contain certain buy-out arrangements. A buyout arrangement determines how the future sale or buyout of an owners’ interest in the business will be handled. Typically, a buyout arrangement dictates when an owner can sell the interest in the business, who can buy the interest, and the valuation methods that will be used to determine the price paid. This arrangement will also specify which events trigger a buy-out.
Whether it’s now or in the future, if you are considering adding a new owner now, be prepared for the unexpected. Consult with a business lawyer who can help you plan for these challenges and pitfalls, and draft an agreement that will ultimately protect you and your business.