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Buy-Sell Agreement
I need a buy-sell agreement for a small business partnership, outlining the terms for a partner's exit due to retirement or unforeseen circumstances, including valuation methods, payment terms, and restrictions on transferring ownership to external parties.
What is a Buy-Sell Agreement?
A Buy-Sell Agreement spells out what happens to a business owner's share when they leave, die, or become incapacitated. It's like a prenup for business partners in Singapore, protecting everyone by setting clear rules for transferring ownership stakes and establishing fair pricing methods.
These agreements are particularly crucial for Singapore's private limited companies, where the Companies Act requires careful handling of share transfers. They help prevent ownership disputes, maintain business continuity, and protect surviving owners from unwanted new partners. Most importantly, they give everyone peace of mind by creating a clear exit strategy and funding mechanism, often through insurance policies.
When should you use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
Set up a Buy-Sell Agreement when you first form your business partnership in Singapore, not when problems arise. This timing gives all owners a voice in establishing fair terms while relationships are positive. It's especially important when starting family businesses, professional practices, or ventures where partners contribute different amounts of capital or expertise.
Draft this agreement before major business milestones like expansion, taking on debt, or bringing in new shareholders. Singapore's private company regulations make it harder to resolve ownership disputes without prior arrangements. Having these terms in place also helps secure business loans, as banks view such planning favorably.
What are the different types of Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Purchase Sale Agreement: Standard version for straightforward business transfers, typically used by small-to-medium enterprises in Singapore
- Bill Of Sale Stock Purchase Agreement: Specifically designed for share transfers, with detailed valuation methods and payment terms
- Agreement Of Sale Contract: Cross-trigger version allowing multiple owners to initiate buyouts under different circumstances
- Private Car Sale Contract: Simplified format for single-owner businesses or sole proprietorships planning succession
Who should typically use a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Business Partners: Primary parties to Buy-Sell Agreements, including founders, shareholders, and directors of Singapore private limited companies
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Singapore Companies Act and protect client interests
- Insurance Providers: Supply life or disability policies that fund buyout obligations under the agreement
- Business Valuators: Provide independent assessments for share pricing formulas and periodic value updates
- Family Members: Often included as contingent beneficiaries or restricted parties in family business scenarios
- Company Secretary: Maintains records and ensures proper execution under corporate governance requirements
How do you write a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Company Details: Gather ACRA registration documents, shareholding structure, and current market value assessment
- Trigger Events: List specific circumstances that activate the agreement, like retirement, death, or disability
- Valuation Method: Decide on fixed price, formula, or independent appraisal approach for share pricing
- Funding Sources: Plan how purchases will be financed through insurance, loans, or installment payments
- Stakeholder Input: Get agreement from all owners on key terms before drafting begins
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound agreement that includes all required elements under Singapore law
- Final Review: Double-check all names, percentages, and payment terms match company records
What should be included in a Buy-Sell Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, NRIC/UEN numbers, and registered addresses of all shareholders and the company
- Trigger Events: Clear definitions of circumstances activating buyout rights or obligations
- Valuation Mechanism: Detailed formula or process for determining share prices under Singapore accounting standards
- Payment Terms: Specific timeframes, installment structures, and funding sources for share purchases
- Transfer Restrictions: Limitations on share transfers aligned with Companies Act requirements
- Dispute Resolution: Singapore arbitration or mediation procedures for handling disagreements
- Governing Law: Express statement of Singapore law jurisdiction and compliance provisions
What's the difference between a Buy-Sell Agreement and a Buyout Agreement?
A Buy-Sell Agreement differs significantly from a Buyout Agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with business ownership transfers. While Buy-Sell Agreements establish ongoing rules for future ownership changes, Buyout Agreements handle immediate, one-time business acquisitions.
- Timing and Purpose: Buy-Sell Agreements are preventive tools set up years in advance, while Buyout Agreements execute immediate ownership transfers
- Scope of Coverage: Buy-Sell Agreements cover multiple potential scenarios (death, retirement, disability), whereas Buyout Agreements focus solely on the current transaction
- Valuation Methods: Buy-Sell Agreements include flexible formulas for future valuations, while Buyout Agreements state fixed, current prices
- Funding Mechanisms: Buy-Sell Agreements often incorporate insurance policies or installment plans, but Buyout Agreements typically require immediate or structured payment arrangements
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