Last Updated February 29, 2024
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What is a Share Purchase Agreement?
A Share Purchase Agreement is a document that transfers company shares (also called stocks) from one party to another. It contains the shares for sale, price, date of the transaction, and other terms and conditions.
A share is a unit of ownership in a company, and a shareholder is a person who owns shares. The more shares a shareholder owns, the higher the percentage of the company they own.
For example, if a company issues 100 shares and a shareholder owns 10 shares, the shareholder owns 10% of the company. Typically, this entitles the shareholder to 10% of the company's profits and 10% of the votes in a Corporate Resolution.
A Share Purchase Agreement is sometimes called a:
- Stock purchase agreement
- Share sale agreement
- Share transfer agreement
- Stock transfer agreement
Who needs a Share Purchase Agreement?
A Share Purchase Agreement allows an individual or corporation to sell or buy shares in a company.
For example, if you and two business partners all have equal shares in a company and one partner wishes to withdraw, they can use a Share Purchase Agreement to buy the withdrawing partner's shares. However, the purchaser can also be a person or business entity who will own shares in the company for the first time.
If the seller is transferring 100% of the company shares, they should use a Purchase of Business Agreement instead.
Is a Share Purchase Agreement legally binding?
Yes. A Share Purchase Agreement becomes a legal document once the purchaser and seller have signed it. Share transfers are only complete once both parties have signed the agreement.
Share transferring in Australia must follow the regulations set by the Corporations Act 2001.
What are warranties in a Share Purchase Agreement?
A warranty in a Share Purchase Agreement is a statement of assurance from the seller to the purchaser. Warranties can disclose risk and liabilities to the purchaser, helping them make a purchasing decision.
For example, a seller can assure a purchaser that they are the sole owner of the shares and have the authority to sell them. The seller would breach the agreement if they weren't the sole owner of the shares and didn't have the power to sell them without consent from the other owners.
Who drafts the Share Purchase Agreement?
The purchaser and seller are both able to draft a Share Purchase Agreement. However, it’s a good idea for both parties to have a lawyer review the document before completing the transaction, regardless of who drafts it.
How do I create a Share Purchase Agreement in Australia?
You can create a Share Purchase Agreement by completing LawDepot’s questionnaire. Using our template will help ensure you complete the following necessary steps.
Provide the names and addresses of the shares’ seller and purchaser in your Share Purchase Agreement.
2. Outline the shares’ details
Outline important information about the company and the shares for sale. These details should include:
- Company name
- Company location
- Number of shares for sale
- Class/series of the shares
Sometimes a company will have multiple classes (also known as series) of shares. Each class provides shareholders with a different set of voting rights in a company’s decision-making process.
A Share Purchase Agreement must include the company’s location because Australia’s states and territories have unique laws and regulations. LawDepot’s template will tailor your document to meet these requirements.
3. State the payment details
State the price of the shares, the agreement’s closing date, and whether or not the seller requires a deposit.
The closing date is when the purchaser pays the outstanding balance and gains possession of the purchased shares.
A deposit is a portion of the total cost that the purchaser uses as collateral until the transaction is complete. If the agreement requires a deposit, include the date the purchaser must provide it to the seller.
4. Outline any additional clauses
Additional clauses are any terms and conditions you would like to include that aren’t already covered in your Share Purchase Agreement (e.g. warranties).
5. Provide the signing details
State when the seller and purchaser will sign the agreement and if there will be witnesses present.
A witness should be a neutral third party with no financial or other interest in the agreement. They don’t need to know or understand the contents of the agreement. Ideally, a witness will also sign the document immediately after observing the seller and purchaser sign it.