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Buy-Sell Agreement
I need a buy-sell agreement for a small business partnership in Malaysia, outlining the terms for a partner's exit, including valuation methods, payment terms, and conditions for triggering the buy-sell process, with a focus on ensuring business continuity and fair compensation.
What is a Buy-Sell Agreement?
A Buy-Sell Agreement protects business owners by setting clear rules for transferring ownership shares when a partner exits, dies, or becomes incapacitated. It's like a prenuptial agreement for business partners in Malaysia, spelling out exactly how company shares will be valued and who can buy them.
Under Malaysian company law, these agreements help prevent disputes and maintain business continuity, especially for Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) companies. They typically include funding mechanisms through insurance policies, define fair market valuation methods, and ensure remaining partners maintain control without unwanted outside interference. Most Malaysian businesses pair these agreements with their Memorandum and Articles of Association.
When should you use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
Put a Buy-Sell Agreement in place when starting a business partnership or bringing new shareholders into your Malaysian company. This is especially crucial for family businesses, professional services firms, and closely-held Sdn Bhd companies where maintaining control over ownership is vital.
The agreement becomes essential before major changes like expansion, taking on significant debt, or when partners approach retirement age. Getting it done early protects everyone if unexpected events occur - like a partner's death, divorce, or bankruptcy. Many Malaysian banks and investors also require these agreements before approving business loans or making substantial investments.
What are the different types of Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Business Purchase And Sale Agreement: Comprehensive agreement for selling an entire business, including assets, goodwill, and transfer terms
- Purchase Sale Agreement: Standard buy-sell format for partnership shares or stock transfers between existing shareholders
- Property Sale Agreement: Specialized version for real estate holdings within business entities, often used by property investment companies
- Property Sale Contract: Focused on commercial property transfers between business entities with specific Malaysian land office requirements
Who should typically use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Business Partners/Shareholders: Primary parties who sign and are bound by Buy-Sell Agreements, typically in Sdn Bhd companies or partnerships
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Malaysian company law and protect client interests
- Company Directors: Oversee implementation and ensure alignment with corporate governance requirements
- Insurance Providers: Supply life or disability policies that fund buyout obligations
- Business Valuators: Provide independent share valuations and pricing mechanisms
- Family Members: Often involved in succession planning aspects, especially in family-owned businesses
How do you write a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather latest Form 24, Form 49, and company constitution from SSM
- Ownership Structure: Document current shareholding percentages and any existing transfer restrictions
- Valuation Method: Decide on fixed price, formula, or independent valuation approach
- Trigger Events: List specific situations that activate the agreement (death, retirement, disability)
- Funding Sources: Determine insurance requirements or other financing mechanisms
- Payment Terms: Define installment options, interest rates, and security arrangements
- Documentation Review: Use our platform to generate a customized agreement that includes all mandatory elements under Malaysian law
What should be included in a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Identification Details: Full names, company registration numbers, and shareholding percentages of all parties
- Trigger Events: Specific circumstances activating the buy-sell provisions under Malaysian law
- Valuation Mechanism: Clear methodology for determining share price, including review periods
- Payment Terms: Purchase price, payment schedule, and funding arrangements
- Transfer Restrictions: Limitations on share transfers aligned with Companies Act 2016
- Rights of First Refusal: Procedures for existing shareholders to purchase available shares
- Dispute Resolution: Malaysian arbitration or mediation procedures
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Malaysian law and jurisdiction
What's the difference between a Buy-Sell Agreement and a Buyout Agreement?
A Buy-Sell Agreement differs significantly from a Buyout Agreement in Malaysian business law. While both deal with ownership transfers, they serve distinct purposes and operate under different circumstances.
- Timing and Trigger: Buy-Sell Agreements are preventive measures set up in advance for future events (death, retirement, incapacity), while Buyout Agreements handle immediate or planned transfers
- Scope of Coverage: Buy-Sell Agreements typically cover all shareholders and multiple scenarios, whereas Buyout Agreements focus on specific transactions between identified parties
- Funding Mechanisms: Buy-Sell Agreements often include insurance policies or specific funding provisions, while Buyout Agreements usually rely on direct payment terms
- Valuation Methods: Buy-Sell Agreements establish predetermined valuation formulas, but Buyout Agreements typically use negotiated fixed prices for immediate transactions
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