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Share Purchase Agreement
I need a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in a private Australian company, including provisions for a due diligence period, representations and warranties from the seller, and a clause for post-completion adjustments based on the company's financial performance.
What is a Share Purchase Agreement?
A Share Purchase Agreement sets out the terms and conditions when someone buys shares in an Australian company. It's the key legal contract between a share seller and buyer, covering everything from the purchase price to when ownership will change hands.
Beyond just stating the price, these agreements protect both parties by including important details like the seller's warranties, any conditions that must be met before settlement, and how to handle disputes. Under Australian Corporations Law, they're especially crucial for private company transactions where shares aren't traded on the ASX, helping ensure a smooth and legally compliant transfer of ownership.
When should you use a Share Purchase Agreement?
Use a Share Purchase Agreement when buying or selling shares in an Australian private company. This contract becomes essential for major ownership changes, such as selling your business stake, bringing in new investors, or completing a management buyout.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during complex transactions involving multiple conditions, specific completion timelines, or detailed warranties about the company's status. For family businesses and closely-held companies, it helps document important terms like ongoing employment arrangements, confidentiality requirements, and post-sale competition restrictions - protecting everyone's interests throughout the ownership transfer.
What are the different types of Share Purchase Agreement?
- Asset For Share Agreement: Used when exchanging business assets for company shares instead of cash, common in restructuring or incorporation scenarios
- Forward Share Purchase Agreement: Locks in future share purchases at preset terms, often used for employee share schemes or staged company acquisitions
- Share Purchase And Shareholders Agreement: Combines purchase terms with ongoing shareholder rights and obligations, ideal for private companies with active shareholders
Who should typically use a Share Purchase Agreement?
- Company Shareholders: Both sellers looking to exit their investment and buyers seeking ownership stake use Share Purchase Agreements to document their transaction terms
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Australian Corporations Law and protect their clients' interests
- Business Brokers: Facilitate share sales and help structure agreements for private company transactions
- Company Directors: Review and often sign agreements, especially when the transaction affects company control or requires board approval
- Financial Advisors: Guide clients through valuation, tax implications, and transaction structure
How do you write a Share Purchase Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather accurate corporate information including ACN, registered office, and current share structure
- Purchase Terms: Document the agreed price, payment method, and completion timeline
- Due Diligence: Review company financials, contracts, and legal obligations to inform warranty provisions
- Stakeholder Input: Confirm board approvals, existing shareholder rights, and any transfer restrictions
- Compliance Check: Verify ASIC requirements and any industry-specific regulations affecting the transfer
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a customized, legally-sound agreement that includes all essential elements
What should be included in a Share Purchase Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, ACNs, and registered addresses of buyer, seller, and company
- Share Information: Number, class, and price of shares being transferred
- Completion Terms: Clear timeline, payment details, and conditions for finalizing the transfer
- Warranties: Seller's guarantees about company status, share ownership, and disclosed information
- Restrictive Covenants: Non-compete and confidentiality obligations
- Governing Law: Explicit statement that Australian law applies and jurisdiction details
- Execution Block: Proper signature sections for all parties, including witness requirements
What's the difference between a Share Purchase Agreement and a Shareholder Agreement?
A Share Purchase Agreement focuses specifically on transferring company shares from one party to another, while a Shareholder Agreement governs ongoing relationships between company shareholders. Though related, they serve distinct purposes in Australian corporate law.
- Transaction vs. Governance: Share Purchase Agreements handle one-time share transfers, while Shareholder Agreements set long-term rules for company management and shareholder rights
- Timing and Duration: Share Purchase Agreements typically conclude once the sale completes, but Shareholder Agreements remain active throughout the shareholders' involvement
- Key Provisions: Share Purchase Agreements focus on price, warranties, and completion conditions, while Shareholder Agreements cover voting rights, dividend policies, and dispute resolution
- Party Scope: Share Purchase Agreements bind only the buyer and seller, while Shareholder Agreements apply to all company shareholders
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