Shareholder Agreement Template - Alliance for Contractors
ALLIANCE FOR CONTRACTORS
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SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT TEMPLATE Multi-Owner Contracting Business
This Shareholder Agreement is entered into on [DATE] by and between the
shareholders of [COMPANY NAME], a
[STATE] corporation engaged in contracting services.
1. COMPANY INFORMATION AND OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
1.1 Company Details
Company Name:[COMPANY NAME]
State of Incorporation:[STATE]
Federal EIN:[EIN NUMBER]
Principal Business Address:[COMPLETE ADDRESS]
Business Type: General Contracting, Specialty Contracting, Construction Services
1.2 Shareholder Information and Ownership Percentages
Shareholder Name
Number of Shares
Ownership Percentage
Initial Capital Contribution
[SHAREHOLDER 1 NAME]
[SHARES]
[PERCENTAGE]
[AMOUNT]
[SHAREHOLDER 2 NAME]
[SHARES]
[PERCENTAGE]
[AMOUNT]
[ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDERS]
[SHARES]
[PERCENTAGE]
[AMOUNT]
1.3 Authorized Share Capital
The Company is authorized to issue [NUMBER] shares of common stock with a par
value of [PAR VALUE] per share. Currently,
[ISSUED SHARES] shares are issued and outstanding.
2. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Voting Rights
Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters requiring shareholder approval,
including:
Election and removal of directors
Amendment of corporate bylaws
Major capital expenditures exceeding [AMOUNT]
Approval of annual budgets and business plans
Authorization of debt financing exceeding [AMOUNT]
Merger, acquisition, or sale of substantial company assets
Changes to the nature of the contracting business
2.2 Information Rights
All shareholders have the right to:
Receive quarterly financial statements within 30 days of quarter end
Access annual audited financial statements
Review major contracts and project documentation
Inspect corporate books and records with reasonable notice
Receive reports on safety incidents and regulatory compliance
Access project performance metrics and profitability analysis
2.3 Shareholder Responsibilities
Each shareholder agrees to:
Act in the best interests of the Company
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary business information
Comply with non-compete provisions during tenure and for [TIME PERIOD] after
exit
Provide personal guarantees for company financing as required
Participate in licensing and bonding requirements as applicable
3. GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
3.1 Board of Directors
The Company shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of
[NUMBER] members. Directors shall be elected annually by majority vote of
shareholders.
3.1.1 Board Composition
Each shareholder holding more than [PERCENTAGE]% may designate one director
Independent director(s) may be appointed for specialized expertise
At least one director must have construction industry experience
3.1.2 Board Meetings
The Board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called with
[NOTICE PERIOD] days' notice. A quorum consists of a majority of directors.
3.2 Voting Procedures
3.2.1 Ordinary Resolutions (Simple Majority)
Approval of annual operating budgets
Hiring and termination of key management
Authorization of routine capital expenditures
Approval of standard contracting projects
3.2.2 Special Resolutions (Supermajority - [PERCENTAGE]%)
Amendment of this Shareholder Agreement
Major acquisitions or divestitures
Changes to dividend policy
Authorization of debt exceeding [AMOUNT]
Entry into new geographic markets or service lines
3.2.3 Unanimous Consent Required
Sale or merger of the Company
Liquidation or dissolution
Admission of new shareholders
Changes to share capital structure
4. EQUITY DISTRIBUTION AND VALUATION METHODS
4.1 Valuation Methodology
For purposes of share transfers, buy-sell provisions, and exit events, the Company shall be valued using the
following methodology:
4.1.1 Primary Valuation Method
Professional appraisal by an independent business valuator with construction industry expertise, using appropriate
methodologies including:
Asset-based approach (book value plus adjustments)
Income approach (discounted cash flow analysis)
Market approach (comparable company multiples)
Consideration of work-in-progress and contract backlog
Alliance Integration: Shareholders may utilize Alliance for Contractors' professional valuation
tools and services for accurate business assessments. Our specialized construction industry valuation experts
provide comprehensive analysis including equipment valuations, contract portfolio assessment, and market
positioning analysis.
4.1.2 Alternative Valuation Methods
If professional appraisal is not feasible, valuation shall be determined by:
Formula based on [X] times trailing twelve months EBITDA
Adjusted book value plus [PERCENTAGE]% premium for goodwill
Average of three comparable recent transactions in the local market
4.2 Equity Appreciation and Distribution
Shareholders shall participate in equity appreciation proportionate to their ownership percentages. Annual
distributions shall be made at the discretion of the Board, considering:
Cash flow requirements for operations and growth
Working capital needs for upcoming projects
Equipment replacement and upgrade requirements
Debt service obligations and credit facility compliance
5. TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS AND BUY-SELL PROVISIONS
5.1 Transfer Restrictions
No shareholder may transfer shares without first complying with the following restrictions:
5.1.1 Right of First Refusal
Before transferring shares to any third party, the selling shareholder must offer the shares to:
The Company (if authorized by Board resolution)
Other shareholders on a pro-rata basis
If declined by existing parties, then to qualified third parties
5.1.2 Permitted Transfers
The following transfers are permitted without restriction:
Transfers to immediate family members
Transfers to personal trusts or estate planning entities
Transfers pursuant to court order or legal requirement
5.2 Triggering Events for Buy-Sell
5.2.1 Voluntary Departure
If a shareholder voluntarily terminates employment or engagement with the Company, other shareholders may purchase
their shares at fair market value with a [PERCENTAGE]% discount for liquidity.
5.2.2 Involuntary Termination
If a shareholder is terminated for cause, the Company may purchase their shares at fair market value with a
[PERCENTAGE]% discount.
5.2.3 Death or Disability
Upon death or permanent disability of a shareholder, their shares may be purchased by the Company or remaining
shareholders at fair market value. Life and disability insurance should be maintained to fund such purchases.
5.2.4 Retirement
Shareholders reaching age [AGE] may trigger buy-sell provisions, with payment
terms extended over [YEARS] years to facilitate transition.
6. MANAGEMENT ROLES AND COMPENSATION
6.1 Management Structure
The day-to-day management of the Company shall be structured as follows:
Position
Shareholder
Primary Responsibilities
Base Compensation
Chief Executive Officer
[NAME]
Overall strategy, client relations, major project oversight
Private equity firms focused on construction services
Industry consolidators or roll-up entities
Equipment manufacturers or suppliers seeking vertical integration
8.1.2 Management Buyout
Key management personnel may purchase the Company with:
Seller financing arrangements
Third-party debt financing
SBA acquisition financing programs
Earn-out provisions based on future performance
8.1.3 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Consideration may be given to ESOP conversion, providing:
Tax advantages for selling shareholders
Employee ownership and retention benefits
Continuity of business operations and culture
Gradual transition over multiple years
Alliance Integration: Alliance for Contractors provides comprehensive exit strategy planning
services, including buyer identification, business preparation for sale, valuation optimization, and transaction
structuring. Our network includes strategic buyers, financial buyers, and merger & acquisition specialists focused
on the construction industry.
8.2 Exit Timeline and Process
When shareholders decide to pursue an exit strategy:
Marketing Phase (3-6 months): Formal marketing process, negotiations, due diligence
Closing Phase (2-3 months): Final negotiations, documentation, regulatory approvals
8.3 Exit Proceeds Distribution
Proceeds from any exit event shall be distributed:
Payment of transaction expenses and professional fees
Satisfaction of company debts and obligations
Distribution to shareholders pro-rata based on ownership percentages
Allocation of any escrow or earn-out provisions
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES
9.1 Internal Dispute Resolution
Disputes between shareholders shall first be addressed through:
Direct negotiation between parties within [DAYS] days
Mediation with mutually agreed mediator within [DAYS] days
Board resolution if dispute affects company operations
9.2 Formal Dispute Resolution
If internal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved through:
Arbitration: Binding arbitration under rules of the American Arbitration Association
Venue:[CITY, STATE]
Arbitrator Qualifications: Experience in construction industry and corporate law
Cost Allocation: Each party bears own costs unless otherwise awarded
9.3 Deadlock Resolution
In case of deadlock on major decisions:
Cooling-off period of [DAYS] days
Third-party advisor consultation
Buy-sell mechanism triggering at fair market value
Dissolution procedures if no resolution achieved
10. GENERAL PROVISIONS
10.1 Term and Termination
This Agreement shall remain in effect until:
Unanimous written consent of all shareholders to terminate
Sale or liquidation of the Company
Reduction to a single shareholder
[DATE], unless extended by mutual agreement
10.2 Amendment
This Agreement may only be amended by written consent of shareholders holding at least
[PERCENTAGE]% of outstanding shares.
10.3 Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [STATE], without regard to
conflict of law provisions.
10.4 Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force
and effect.
10.5 Binding Effect
This Agreement shall be binding upon heirs, successors, and assigns of all parties.
Professional Consultation Required: This template provides a comprehensive framework but should
be customized by qualified legal counsel familiar with your state's laws and specific business circumstances.
Alliance for Contractors can connect you with experienced construction industry attorneys and business advisors to
ensure proper implementation.
SIGNATURE PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Shareholder Agreement as of the date first written above.
SHAREHOLDER:
[SHAREHOLDER 1 NAME]
Date: _______________
SHAREHOLDER:
[SHAREHOLDER 2 NAME]
Date: _______________
SHAREHOLDER:
[SHAREHOLDER 3 NAME]
Date: _______________
SHAREHOLDER:
[ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDER]
Date: _______________
Alliance for Contractors | Professional Business Solutions
For additional legal templates, valuation services, and exit planning consultation, contact Alliance for
Contractors
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with
qualified legal counsel before execution.