Buy-Sell Agreement Template

Set who can buy an owner's share, at what price, and on what triggers, before you ever need it.

Introduction

A buy-sell agreement is a contract among the owners of a business that decides in advance who may buy an owner's share, at what price, and on what triggers such as death, disability, divorce, retirement, or a voluntary exit. It keeps ownership inside the group, gives the remaining owners a clear path to buy, and prevents a forced sale or a dispute when someone leaves. The core terms are the same nationwide: the structure (cross-purchase, entity redemption, or a hybrid), the triggering events, the valuation method, and how the buyout is funded. A few rules do vary by state, most notably spousal consent in community-property states and how a non-compete on a departing owner is enforced, so check the version for your state.

Key Things to Know

1
A buy-sell agreement is a binding contract among co-owners that fixes who can buy a departing owner's interest, the price or valuation method, and the triggering events, so a death, divorce, or exit does not force the business into a dispute or a sale to an outsider.
2
There are three common structures. In a cross-purchase the remaining owners buy the departing owner's share; in an entity redemption the business itself buys it back; a hybrid or wait-and-see agreement lets the parties choose at the time of the trigger.
3
Set the triggers explicitly. The usual ones are death, long-term disability, retirement, voluntary departure, divorce, and bankruptcy of an owner. Each trigger can have its own price and payment terms, so define them rather than leaving them to negotiation later.
4
Choose a valuation method and keep it current. Common methods are a fixed price the owners restate periodically, a formula such as a multiple of earnings, or an independent appraisal at the time of the trigger. Update the number at least once a year.
5
Fund the buyout before you need it. Owners commonly use life or disability insurance on each owner, a sinking fund, or installment payments, so the buyer has cash when a trigger occurs. Match the funding to the valuation so the price and the money available line up.
6
Some rules vary by state. Community-property states may require a spouse's consent or notice before an owner disposes of a community-property business interest, and states differ on whether a non-compete on a departing owner is enforceable. See the version for your state for the specific rule.
7
No notarization, witnesses, or government filing is required in most states. A buy-sell agreement is valid as a signed writing. Keep the signed agreement with the company records, note any transfer restriction on the share certificates, and review it after major changes. Attorney review is available.

Key decisions before you file

Before you file a Buy-Sell Agreement in Montana, a few decisions shape the document: which option to choose and what each one means. The Buy-Sell Agreement guide walks through them.

Open the Buy-Sell Agreement guide

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Buy-Sell Agreement

This Buy-Sell Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on [date] among [Company name], a [state] [entity type] (the "Company"), and the persons who own interests in the Company and sign below (each an "Owner" and together the "Owners").

1. Purpose

The Owners want to keep ownership of the Company within the current group, provide a fair and orderly way to buy an Owner's interest when a triggering event occurs, set the price and payment terms in advance, and give each Owner a ready market for the interest. This Agreement controls the transfer of every ownership interest in the Company.

2. Transfer Restrictions

No Owner may sell, assign, pledge, or otherwise transfer all or any part of an ownership interest except as this Agreement allows. Any attempted transfer that violates this Agreement is void. Before any voluntary transfer to an outside party, the selling Owner must first offer the interest to the Company and then to the other Owners on the terms in Section 5. The Company shall note this restriction conspicuously on each ownership certificate.

3. Triggering Events

An Owner's interest becomes subject to purchase on any of the following: (a) death; (b) permanent disability, as defined in Section 9; (c) retirement or voluntary withdrawal; (d) termination of employment or service; (e) divorce, to the extent an interest would pass to a former spouse; (f) bankruptcy, insolvency, or an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (g) an attempted transfer in violation of this Agreement.

4. Purchase Structure

The Owners elect one of the following, as stated in the Schedule: (a) Cross-Purchase, in which the remaining Owners buy the departing Owner's interest in proportion to their existing interests; (b) Redemption, in which the Company buys the interest; or (c) Wait and See, in which the Company has the first option and the remaining Owners may buy any interest the Company does not.

5. Right of First Refusal

If an Owner receives a bona fide written offer to buy an interest, the Owner shall give the Company and the other Owners written notice with the offer terms. The Company, and then the other Owners, may buy the interest on the same terms within [number] days. If neither buys, the Owner may complete the sale to the third party on those terms, and the buyer takes the interest subject to this Agreement.

6. Purchase Price and Valuation

The purchase price is the value of the interest determined by the method the Owners select in the Schedule: (a) a fixed price the Owners restate at least once each year; (b) a formula, such as a multiple of earnings or book value; or (c) an appraisal by a qualified independent appraiser as of the valuation date. The Owners should review and update the value regularly so the price stays realistic.

7. Funding

The buyout may be funded by life insurance or disability insurance on each Owner, a sinking fund, installment payments by the buyer, or a combination. Where insurance funds the purchase, the Schedule lists each policy, its owner, and its beneficiary, and the parties shall keep the coverage in force and match it to the current value.

8. Closing and Payment

The closing occurs within [number] days after the price is fixed. At closing, the buyer pays the price in cash or under the payment terms in the Schedule (for example, a down payment with the balance paid over [number] years with interest at [rate]), and the selling Owner delivers the interest free of liens and signs the documents needed to transfer it.

9. Disability

"Permanent disability" means an Owner's inability, because of illness or injury, to perform the Owner's regular duties for [number] consecutive months, determined as the Schedule provides. On permanent disability, the Owner's interest is purchased under the same terms that apply to the other triggering events.

10. General

This Agreement binds the Owners and their heirs, estates, and successors. It may be amended only by a writing signed by all Owners. If a court finds any provision unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. This Agreement is a signed writing and does not require notarization unless the Owners choose to notarize it. Attorney review is available.

Signatures.

Company: ______________________ Date: __________

Owner: ______________________ Date: __________

Complete the bracketed items and the Schedule for your Company. This template is general information, not legal advice; attorney review is available. For state-specific requirements, see the version for your state.

Montana Requirements for Buy-Sell Agreement

Business Entity Compliance (Montana Code Annotated § 35-1-101 et seq. (corporations); § 35-8-101 et seq. (LLCs); § 35-10-101 et seq. (partnerships))

The agreement must comply with Montana's business entity laws based on the entity type (corporation, LLC, partnership). For corporations, this includes compliance with the Montana Business Corporation Act; for LLCs, the Montana Limited Liability Company Act; and for partnerships, the Montana Uniform Partnership Act.

Securities Law Compliance (Montana Code Annotated § 30-10-101 et seq.)

If the buy-sell agreement involves the transfer of securities, it must comply with Montana Securities Act registration requirements or qualify for exemptions, particularly for closely-held businesses.

Federal Securities Compliance (Securities Act of 1933; Securities Exchange Act of 1934; SEC Rule 506 of Regulation D)

The agreement must comply with federal securities laws if the transaction involves securities, including potential exemptions for private companies under Regulation D.

Contract Formation Requirements (Montana Code Annotated § 28-2-101 et seq.)

The agreement must satisfy Montana's contract formation requirements including offer, acceptance, consideration, legal purpose, and capacity of parties to contract.

Statute of Frauds (Montana Code Annotated § 28-2-903)

The buy-sell agreement must be in writing as it typically involves agreements that cannot be performed within one year and/or involves real property interests.

Business Valuation Methods (Montana Code Annotated § 35-1-827 (for corporations); Montana case law)

The agreement must specify legally acceptable business valuation methods that comply with Montana case law regarding fair market value determinations in business transfers.

Right of First Refusal Provisions (Montana Code Annotated § 28-2-101 et seq.; Montana case law)

The agreement must properly structure any right of first refusal provisions to comply with Montana property and contract law, including clear procedures and timeframes.

Estate Planning Considerations (Montana Code Annotated § 72-1-101 et seq.)

The agreement must address Montana probate and estate laws, particularly for provisions triggered by death of an owner, including coordination with wills and trusts.

Federal Estate Tax Compliance (Internal Revenue Code § 2001 et seq.)

The agreement must consider federal estate tax implications, including potential tax liability upon an owner's death and methods to fund such obligations.

Life Insurance Provisions (Montana Code Annotated § 33-15-201 et seq.)

If life insurance is used to fund the buy-sell agreement, provisions must comply with Montana insurance laws regarding insurable interest and policy ownership.

Disability Provisions (Montana Code Annotated § 33-22-1501 et seq.; Americans with Disabilities Act)

Clauses addressing owner disability must comply with Montana disability laws and clearly define disability in accordance with insurance standards if disability insurance is used.

Non-Compete and Restrictive Covenants (Montana Code Annotated § 28-2-703 et seq.; Montana case law)

Any non-compete or restrictive covenant provisions must comply with Montana's relatively strict approach to such restrictions, requiring reasonable geographic scope, time limitations, and protection of legitimate business interests.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (Montana Uniform Arbitration Act, Montana Code Annotated § 27-5-111 et seq.)

The agreement should include dispute resolution provisions that comply with Montana law regarding arbitration, mediation, or litigation procedures.

Federal Arbitration Act Compliance (9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.)

If the agreement includes arbitration provisions and involves interstate commerce, it must comply with the Federal Arbitration Act requirements.

Tax-Related Provisions (Internal Revenue Code § 1001 et seq.; Montana Code Annotated § 15-30-2101 et seq.)

The agreement must address federal and Montana tax implications of business transfers, including potential capital gains taxes, income tax treatment, and tax basis considerations.

Corporate Governance Compliance (Montana Code Annotated § 35-1-415 et seq.)

For corporations, the buy-sell agreement must align with Montana corporate governance laws, including shareholder rights, board approval requirements, and corporate record-keeping.

Operating Agreement Coordination (Montana Code Annotated § 35-8-501 et seq.)

For LLCs, the buy-sell provisions must coordinate with the operating agreement and comply with Montana LLC laws regarding member transfers and withdrawals.

Fraudulent Transfer Avoidance (Montana Code Annotated § 31-2-326 et seq.)

The agreement must avoid provisions that could be deemed fraudulent transfers under Montana's Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, particularly regarding valuation and payment terms.

Marital Property Considerations (Montana Code Annotated § 40-2-101 et seq.)

The agreement must address Montana marital property laws, particularly regarding spousal consent to transfers and potential community property interests in the business.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)

Provisions regarding disability-triggered buyouts must comply with federal ADA requirements to avoid discriminatory practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a contract among the owners of a business that sets who may buy an owner's interest, the price or valuation method, and the triggers such as death, disability, divorce, retirement, or a voluntary exit. It keeps ownership inside the group and prevents disputes when an owner leaves.

An operating agreement or bylaws set how the business runs day to day. A buy-sell agreement covers only ownership transitions: what happens to an owner's share on death, disability, divorce, or departure, how it is priced, and who may buy it. Many companies keep both.

In a cross-purchase, the remaining owners individually buy the departing owner's share, often funded by policies they hold on each other. In a redemption, the business itself buys the share back. A hybrid lets the parties decide which applies when the trigger happens. Each has different tax effects.

By the method the owners choose: a fixed price they restate periodically, a formula such as a multiple of earnings or book value, or an independent appraisal at the time of the trigger. Whatever the method, set it clearly and update it regularly so the price stays realistic.

Most owners fund it with life or disability insurance on each owner, a sinking fund set aside over time, or installment payments from the buyer after the trigger. The goal is to have cash available when it is needed, matched to the agreed valuation so the buyer can actually pay.

In most states, no. A buy-sell agreement is valid as a signed writing, with no notarization, witnesses, or government filing required. Keep the signed agreement with the company records and note any transfer restriction on the share certificates. A few state-specific rules may apply.

The core terms are the same everywhere, but some rules vary. Community-property states may require a spouse's consent or notice for a community-property business interest, and states differ on whether a non-compete on a departing owner is enforceable. Use the version for your state for the exact rule.