Shareholder Agreement - Oregon
SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT — [CORPORATION NAME], an Oregon corporation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Definitions
- Purpose & Statutory Authorization
- Transfer Restrictions
- Buy-Sell (Triggering Events; Mandatory and Optional Purchase)
- Valuation & Payment Terms
- Voting Agreement; Board; Officers
- Drag-Along & Tag-Along Rights
- Preemptive Rights
- Protective Provisions / Supermajority
- Information Rights
- Restrictive Covenants
- Deadlock Resolution
- Certificate Legend
- Term & Termination
- Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
- General Provisions
- Signatures
- Sources & References
RECITALS AND PARTIES
THIS SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [__/__/____] (the "Effective Date") by and among [CORPORATION NAME], an Oregon corporation (the "Corporation"), and the persons listed on the Share Schedule below, who constitute ALL of the persons who are shareholders of the Corporation as of the Effective Date and who execute this Agreement (each, a "Shareholder" and, collectively, the "Shareholders").
RECITALS
A. The Corporation is a corporation organized and existing under the Oregon Business Corporation Act, ORS Chapter 60 (the "Act"), having its registered office in [COUNTY] County, Oregon.
B. As of the Effective Date, the authorized capital of the Corporation consists of [____] shares of [CLASS/SERIES] stock, par value [$____] per share, of which [____] shares are issued and outstanding and held of record by the Shareholders as set forth in the Share Schedule.
C. The Corporation is a closely-held corporation whose shares are not publicly traded. The Shareholders desire to provide for the management, ownership, and continuity of the Corporation; to restrict the transfer of its shares; to provide an orderly mechanism for the purchase and sale of shares upon certain events; to coordinate the voting of their shares and the composition of the Board; and to otherwise set forth their respective rights and obligations.
D. The Shareholders, who constitute all persons who are shareholders as of the Effective Date, intend that this Agreement be a shareholder agreement within the meaning of, and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by, ORS 60.265, including to the extent it is inconsistent with one or more other provisions of the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the parties agree as follows.
Share Schedule (Ownership as of the Effective Date)
| Shareholder | Class/Series | No. of Shares | Percentage | Certificate No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [NAME] | [____] | [____] | [____]% | [____] |
| [NAME] | [____] | [____] | [____]% | [____] |
| [NAME] | [____] | [____] | [____]% | [____] |
| TOTAL | [____] | 100% |
1. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below. Other terms are defined where they first appear.
"Act" means the Oregon Business Corporation Act, ORS Chapter 60, as amended.
"Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person.
"Agreed Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
"Board" means the board of directors of the Corporation.
"Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in the State of Oregon.
"Disability" means a Shareholder's inability, by reason of physical or mental illness or injury, to perform substantially all of the duties such Shareholder customarily performs for the Corporation for a continuous period of [____] days or for [____] days in any [twelve (12)]-month period, as determined in accordance with Section 4.2(b).
"Fair Market Value" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
"Immediate Family" means a Shareholder's spouse, children (natural or adopted), grandchildren, parents, and siblings, and a trust established solely for the benefit of any of them or the Shareholder.
"Permitted Transferee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, estate, association, or other entity.
"Purchase Price" means the price determined under Section 5 for shares purchased under this Agreement.
"Shares" means all shares of capital stock of the Corporation now owned or hereafter acquired by a Shareholder, and any securities convertible into or exercisable for such shares, as contemplated by ORS 60.167.
"Transfer" means any sale, assignment, gift, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, or other disposition of Shares or any interest therein, whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise.
"Triggering Event" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
2. PURPOSE & STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Agreement is to promote the Shareholders' mutual interests and the interests of the Corporation by imposing certain restrictions and obligations on the Shareholders and the Shares, and by providing for the continuity, governance, and orderly transfer of ownership of a closely-held Oregon corporation.
2.2 Shareholder Agreement under ORS 60.265
This Agreement is intended to be, and shall be construed as, a shareholder agreement under ORS 60.265. The Shareholders, who constitute all persons who are shareholders of the Corporation as of the Effective Date, intend that this Agreement be effective among the Shareholders and the Corporation and binding on the Board even where it is inconsistent with one or more other provisions of the Act, including to the extent it:
(a) restricts the discretion or powers of the Board (ORS 60.265(1)(a));
(b) establishes who shall be directors or officers of the Corporation or establishes their terms of office or manner of selection or removal (ORS 60.265(1)(b));
(c) governs the exercise or division of voting power by or between the Shareholders and directors or among any of them, including the use of weighted voting rights or director proxies (ORS 60.265(1)(c));
(d) establishes the terms and conditions of any agreement for the transfer or use of property or the provision of services between the Corporation and any Shareholder, director, officer, or employee, or among any of them (ORS 60.265(1)(d)); and/or
(e) requires dissolution of the Corporation at the request of one or more Shareholders or upon the occurrence of a specified event or contingency (ORS 60.265(1)(e)).
2.3 Form, Approval, Amendment, and Term Requirements (ORS 60.265(2))
(a) Unanimous signed agreement made known to the Corporation. This Agreement is set forth in a written agreement signed by all persons who are shareholders of the Corporation as of the Effective Date and is made known to the Corporation, satisfying ORS 60.265(2)(a)(B).
(b) Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only as provided in Section 14.4, which (as permitted by ORS 60.265(2)(b)) specifies the persons whose consent is required.
(c) Term / 10-year default override. As expressly permitted by ORS 60.265(2)(c), this Agreement provides in Section 14.1 for a term other than the statutory ten (10) years, and the parties intend that the default ten-year limitation NOT apply.
2.4 Supplemental Statutory Bases
In addition to ORS 60.265, the Shareholders intend that:
(a) the transfer restrictions in Section 3 be valid and enforceable under ORS 60.167 (restrictions on transfer of shares and other securities imposed by the articles, bylaws, or an agreement among shareholders or between shareholders and the corporation);
(b) the voting provisions in Section 6 be a voting agreement under ORS 60.257, which provides that two or more persons may provide for the manner in which they will vote their shares by signing an agreement for that purpose and that such an agreement is specifically enforceable; and
(c) any voting trust the Shareholders elect to implement be governed by ORS 60.254.
3. TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
3.1 General Prohibition
No Shareholder shall Transfer all or any portion of such Shareholder's Shares except in strict compliance with this Agreement and applicable law. Any purported Transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be void ab initio, shall not be recognized on the books of the Corporation, and shall confer no rights upon the purported transferee.
3.2 Right of First Refusal
(a) Offer Notice. A Shareholder who receives a bona fide written offer from a third party to purchase any of such Shareholder's Shares and who desires to accept it (the "Selling Shareholder") shall first deliver written notice (the "Offer Notice") to the Corporation and the other Shareholders. The Offer Notice shall identify the prospective transferee, the number of Shares offered (the "Offered Shares"), the price, and all material terms.
(b) Corporation's Option. The Corporation shall have [thirty (30)] days after receipt of the Offer Notice to elect, by written notice, to purchase all or any portion of the Offered Shares on the same terms set forth in the Offer Notice.
(c) Shareholders' Option. To the extent the Corporation does not elect to purchase all of the Offered Shares, the other Shareholders shall have an additional [thirty (30)] days to elect to purchase the remaining Offered Shares, pro rata in proportion to their respective holdings (with rights of over-allotment among electing Shareholders).
(d) Sale to Third Party. If the Corporation and the Shareholders do not collectively elect to purchase all of the Offered Shares within the option periods, the Selling Shareholder may, within [sixty (60)] days thereafter, Transfer the Offered Shares to the identified third party at a price not less than, and on terms no more favorable to the transferee than, those in the Offer Notice, provided the transferee first executes a joinder agreeing to be bound by this Agreement. Any Shares not so transferred again become subject to this Agreement.
3.3 Permitted Transfers
The right of first refusal in Section 3.2 shall not apply to, and a Shareholder may make, the following Transfers (each, a "Permitted Transfer"; each transferee, a "Permitted Transferee"), provided the transferee executes a joinder agreeing to be bound by this Agreement and the Shares remain subject hereto:
(a) a Transfer to the Corporation or to another Shareholder;
(b) a Transfer to a member of the Shareholder's Immediate Family or to a trust or entity wholly owned for estate-planning purposes, provided the transferring Shareholder retains voting control of the Shares during such Shareholder's lifetime;
(c) a Transfer upon death by will or intestacy, subject to Section 4; and
(d) any Transfer approved in writing by Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares.
3.4 Prohibited Transfers
No Shareholder shall pledge, hypothecate, or grant a security interest in any Shares, or Transfer any Shares to a competitor of the Corporation, without the prior written consent of Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares.
4. BUY-SELL: TRIGGERING EVENTS
4.1 Triggering Events
The occurrence of any of the following with respect to a Shareholder (a "Triggering Event"; such Shareholder, the "Affected Shareholder," or such Shareholder's estate or representative) gives rise to the purchase rights and obligations in this Section 4:
(a) Death of a Shareholder who is an individual;
(b) Disability of a Shareholder who is an individual;
(c) Termination of Employment of a Shareholder who is employed by the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, with or without cause;
(d) Bankruptcy or Insolvency of a Shareholder, including the filing of a voluntary or involuntary petition, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the appointment of a receiver;
(e) Divorce of a Shareholder, to the extent any Shares (or marital interest therein) would be awarded to a non-Shareholder spouse;
(f) Involuntary Transfer by operation of law, levy, or attachment; and
(g) Voluntary Withdrawal by a Shareholder who delivers a written notice of intent to withdraw and sell.
4.2 Mandatory and Optional Purchase
(a) Death. Upon the death of a Shareholder, the Corporation [shall (mandatory) / may (optional)] purchase, and the deceased Shareholder's estate shall sell, all of the deceased Shareholder's Shares at the Purchase Price determined under Section 5. To the extent the Corporation does not purchase all such Shares, the surviving Shareholders [shall / may] purchase the balance pro rata.
(b) Disability. Disability shall be determined by a licensed physician selected by the Corporation (or, if the Affected Shareholder disputes the determination, by a third physician jointly selected by the Corporation's and the Shareholder's physicians). Upon a determination of Disability, the purchase mechanics in Section 4.2(a) apply.
(c) Termination of Employment. Upon Termination of Employment of a Shareholder, the Corporation and the other Shareholders shall have the option (and, if the parties so elect by completing the bracketed term, the obligation) to purchase the terminated Shareholder's Shares. The parties shall complete: purchase is [mandatory / optional]; in the case of termination [for cause], the Purchase Price shall be [Fair Market Value / __% of Fair Market Value / Agreed Value].
(d) Bankruptcy, Divorce, Involuntary Transfer, Voluntary Withdrawal. Upon any such Triggering Event, the Corporation (first) and the other Shareholders (second) shall have the option to purchase all of the Affected Shareholder's Shares (or the Shares subject to the involuntary transfer or divorce award) at the Purchase Price determined under Section 5. A non-Shareholder spouse or transferee is bound only to the extent applicable law and an enforceable joinder or restriction so provide. Under 11 U.S.C. § 541(c)(1), nothing in this Agreement excludes the ownership interest from a bankruptcy estate, binds a bankruptcy trustee beyond applicable law, or limits a trustee's statutory powers.
4.3 Closing
The closing of any purchase under this Section shall occur within [sixty (60)] days after the later of the Triggering Event or the final determination of the Purchase Price, at the Corporation's principal office. At closing, the seller shall deliver the certificates (or transfer instructions for uncertificated shares) duly endorsed, free of liens, and the buyer shall deliver the consideration in accordance with Section 5.3.
5. VALUATION & PAYMENT TERMS
5.1 Agreed Value
The Shareholders [may] establish an agreed value per Share (the "Agreed Value") by executing a Certificate of Agreed Value attached as Exhibit A, to be reviewed and updated at least annually. If a Certificate of Agreed Value has been executed within [twenty-four (24)] months before a Triggering Event, the Agreed Value shall be the Purchase Price.
5.2 Formula / Appraisal (Fair Market Value)
If no current Agreed Value exists, the Purchase Price shall be the "Fair Market Value" of the Shares, determined as follows (the parties shall select one method):
(a) Formula. [Describe formula — e.g., [____] times trailing twelve-month EBITDA, less indebtedness, multiplied by the selling percentage]; or
(b) Appraisal. Fair Market Value shall be determined by an independent appraiser. The Corporation and the seller shall each select one qualified appraiser within [fifteen (15)] days; if the two appraisals are within [ten percent (10%)] of each other, the Fair Market Value is their average; otherwise, the two appraisers shall select a third, whose determination (within the range of the first two) is binding. The appraisal shall [apply / not apply] minority and marketability discounts.
5.3 Payment Terms
(a) Cash / Insurance Proceeds. At closing, the buyer shall pay [____]% of the Purchase Price in cash, including any life-insurance proceeds applied under Section 5.4.
(b) Promissory Note. The balance shall be evidenced by a promissory note payable in [____] equal [monthly / quarterly / annual] installments over [____] years, bearing interest at [the applicable federal rate / ____% per annum], secured by a pledge of the purchased Shares, with the right to prepay without penalty.
5.4 Life-Insurance Funding
(a) The Corporation [and/or the Shareholders] may purchase and maintain life-insurance policies on the lives of the Shareholders to fund the purchase obligations on death. The Corporation shall be the [owner and beneficiary] of such policies.
(b) The policies and beneficiaries are listed on Exhibit B. Upon a Shareholder's death, the proceeds shall be applied first to the Purchase Price for that Shareholder's Shares. Proceeds exceeding the Purchase Price shall belong to the Corporation.
(c) A Shareholder whose Shares are purchased (or such Shareholder's estate) shall have the option to purchase any policy on such Shareholder's life for its interpolated terminal reserve (cash surrender) value.
6. VOTING AGREEMENT; BOARD; OFFICERS
6.1 Voting Agreement
Each Shareholder agrees to vote all Shares now or hereafter owned by such Shareholder, and to take all other action within such Shareholder's control (including executing written consents under the Act), so as to give effect to the provisions of this Section 6. This Section is a voting agreement under ORS 60.257 and a governance provision authorized by ORS 60.265, and is specifically enforceable.
6.2 Board Composition
(a) The Board shall consist of [____] directors.
(b) Each Shareholder (or group of Shareholders) holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares shall be entitled to designate [one (1)] director, and the Shareholders shall vote their Shares to elect each such designee. A designating Shareholder may remove and replace its designee at any time, and the Shareholders shall vote accordingly.
(c) A vacancy created by a designated director shall be filled only by the Shareholder entitled to designate that director.
6.3 Officers
The Shareholders shall cause the Board to elect (or, to the extent permitted by ORS 60.265(1)(b), the Shareholders shall directly select) the following officers, who shall serve until removed in accordance with the Bylaws: [President / CEO: ____; Secretary: ____; Treasurer/CFO: ____].
6.4 Cumulative Voting
Under ORS 60.248, cumulative voting in the election of directors applies only if the articles of incorporation so provide. The articles [shall / shall not] authorize cumulative voting. To the extent cumulative voting would otherwise apply, the Shareholders agree to vote so as to implement the designation rights in Section 6.2.
7. DRAG-ALONG & TAG-ALONG RIGHTS
7.1 Drag-Along
If Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares (the "Dragging Shareholders") approve a bona fide arm's-length sale of the Corporation (whether by sale of shares, merger, or sale of substantially all assets) to an unaffiliated third party, the Dragging Shareholders may require each other Shareholder to (a) vote all Shares in favor of the transaction, (b) sell the same proportion of Shares on the same per-share terms, and (c) execute reasonable transaction documents, provided that no Shareholder shall be required to give representations other than as to title, authority, and ownership, and that liability shall be several (not joint) and capped at the proceeds received.
7.2 Tag-Along
If one or more Shareholders (the "Transferring Shareholders") propose to Transfer, in one transaction or a series, Shares representing more than [____]% of the outstanding Shares to a third party (other than a Permitted Transfer), each other Shareholder may elect to participate in the sale on the same terms, selling a pro rata portion of its Shares. The Transferring Shareholders shall give at least [twenty (20)] days' written notice of the proposed sale, and each electing Shareholder shall respond within [ten (10)] days.
8. PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS
8.1 Grant
Except for Exempt Issuances, before the Corporation issues any new Shares or securities convertible into Shares, it shall offer each Shareholder the right to purchase such Shareholder's pro rata portion (based on then-current ownership) on the same price and terms, so as to maintain such Shareholder's percentage ownership.
8.2 Procedure
The Corporation shall deliver written notice of the proposed issuance describing the securities, price, and terms. Each Shareholder shall have [twenty (20)] days to elect to exercise its preemptive right. Shares not subscribed for may be issued to the proposed purchaser within [ninety (90)] days on terms no more favorable than those offered to the Shareholders.
8.3 Exempt Issuances
"Exempt Issuances" means issuances (a) under a board-approved equity-incentive plan, (b) upon conversion or exercise of outstanding securities, (c) in connection with a bona fide acquisition or strategic transaction approved under Section 9, or (d) approved by Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares.
9. PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS / SUPERMAJORITY
9.1 Supermajority Approvals
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Bylaws, the Corporation shall not take any of the following actions without the approval of Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares (or the unanimous consent where indicated):
(a) amending the articles of incorporation or Bylaws;
(b) issuing additional Shares or securities (other than Exempt Issuances) or creating a new class or series;
(c) declaring or paying any dividend or distribution other than pro rata;
(d) merging, consolidating, converting, or selling all or substantially all assets;
(e) dissolving, liquidating, or filing for bankruptcy;
(f) incurring indebtedness in excess of [$____] or granting liens on material assets;
(g) entering into any transaction with a Shareholder, director, officer, or Affiliate other than on arm's-length terms;
(h) materially changing the nature of the Corporation's business; and
(i) approving annual compensation of any officer in excess of [$____].
9.2 Charter Supermajority Quorum/Vote
The parties may also establish greater quorum or voting requirements for shareholder action (ORS 60.247) or for director action (ORS 60.467) in the articles of incorporation or Bylaws, consistent with the Act.
9.3 Restrictions on Board Discretion Are Authorized
To the extent the foregoing provisions, or any provision of Section 6, restrict the discretion or powers of the Board, they are expressly authorized by ORS 60.265(1)(a) and (c) and are binding on the Board.
9.4 Shift of Director Liability (ORS 60.265(5))
The Shareholders acknowledge that, under ORS 60.265(5), to the extent this Agreement limits the discretion or powers of the Board, the directors are relieved of, and the persons in whom such discretion or powers are vested by this Agreement assume, liability for acts or omissions imposed by law on directors to the extent of such limitation.
10. INFORMATION RIGHTS
The Corporation shall deliver to each Shareholder: (a) annual financial statements within [one hundred twenty (120)] days after fiscal year-end; (b) quarterly unaudited statements within [forty-five (45)] days after each fiscal quarter; and (c) upon [five (5)] Business Days' written notice, reasonable access during normal business hours to the books and records the Corporation is required to maintain under ORS 60.771, subject to a confidentiality undertaking and the proper-purpose limitations of the shareholder inspection right under ORS 60.774.
11. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
11.1 Non-Competition
During the period each Shareholder owns Shares and for [____] (e.g., one (1) year, mindful of ORS 653.295 limits where applicable) thereafter, no Shareholder who is also an employee, officer, or director shall, within [geographic area], directly or indirectly engage in or own an interest in any business that competes with the Corporation, except for passive ownership of less than [two percent (2%)] of a publicly traded company. To the extent ORS 653.295 applies to any Shareholder, this covenant shall be enforced only as and to the extent permitted by that statute.
11.2 Non-Solicitation
During the same period, no such Shareholder shall solicit (a) any employee or contractor of the Corporation to terminate their relationship, or (b) any customer or supplier to cease or reduce business with the Corporation.
11.3 Confidentiality
Each Shareholder shall hold in confidence all confidential and proprietary information of the Corporation and shall not use or disclose it except for the benefit of the Corporation, both during and after the period of share ownership.
11.4 Remedies; Reformation
The Shareholders acknowledge that breach of this Section would cause irreparable harm and agree that the Corporation shall be entitled to injunctive relief in addition to other remedies. If any covenant is held overbroad, a court may reform it to the maximum extent enforceable under Oregon law.
12. DEADLOCK RESOLUTION
12.1 Deadlock Defined
A "Deadlock" exists if the Board or the Shareholders are unable, after [two (2)] properly noticed meetings held at least [fifteen (15)] days apart, to reach the vote required to act on a material matter, and the inability materially impairs the Corporation's business.
12.2 Escalation; Mediation
Upon a Deadlock, the matter shall first be referred to the senior representatives of the disputing Shareholders for good-faith negotiation for [thirty (30)] days, and then, if unresolved, to non-binding mediation under Section 15.
12.3 Buy-Sell Shotgun
If a Deadlock remains unresolved [sixty (60)] days after mediation begins, any Shareholder (or 50% group) (the "Offeror") may deliver a written notice to the other (the "Offeree") stating a price per Share. The Offeree shall, within [thirty (30)] days, elect either (a) to sell all of its Shares to the Offeror at that price, or (b) to buy all of the Offeror's Shares at that same price. Failure to elect within the period shall be deemed an election to sell. The resulting purchase shall close under Section 4.3 and be paid under Section 5.3.
12.4 Other Remedies
The buy-sell procedure is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the parties' statutory rights, including judicial dissolution under ORS 60.661 and a court proceeding by a shareholder in a close corporation (with the corporation's or other shareholders' election to purchase at fair value) under ORS 60.952. As permitted by ORS 60.265(1)(e), the Shareholders may also provide for dissolution on request or upon a specified event.
13. CERTIFICATE LEGEND
Each certificate representing Shares (and any information statement for uncertificated Shares under ORS 60.164(2)) shall bear the following conspicuous legend. ORS 60.265(3) requires that the existence of a shareholder agreement be noted conspicuously; ORS 60.167 requires conspicuous notation of transfer restrictions:
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A SHAREHOLDER AGREEMENT DATED [__/__/____] (THE "AGREEMENT") ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO ORS 60.265 AND ORS 60.167, WHICH IMPOSES TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS, A VOTING AGREEMENT, AND OTHER TERMS THAT MAY BE INCONSISTENT WITH PROVISIONS OF THE OREGON BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT. A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION. SUCH SHARES MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT. THE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAW AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED ABSENT REGISTRATION OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.
Under ORS 60.265(3), the failure to note the existence of the Agreement does not affect its validity or any action taken pursuant to it, but a purchaser of Shares who, at the time of purchase, did not have knowledge of the Agreement is entitled to rescission within the periods specified in that subsection. The Corporation shall recall and reissue any outstanding certificates as necessary to bear this legend.
14. TERM & TERMINATION
14.1 Term (10-Year Default Overridden)
This Agreement becomes effective on the Effective Date and continues until terminated under Section 14.2. As expressly permitted by ORS 60.265(2)(c), the parties elect that this Agreement remain in effect [indefinitely / for a term of [____] years], and the default ten (10)-year limitation under ORS 60.265(2)(c) shall NOT apply. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under ORS 60.265(4) this Agreement ceases to be effective when the Corporation's shares are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System.
14.2 Termination
This Agreement terminates upon the earliest of: (a) the written agreement of all Shareholders; (b) the dissolution, bankruptcy, or liquidation of the Corporation; (c) a single Shareholder coming to own all outstanding Shares; or (d) the event described in ORS 60.265(4) (listing or NASDAQ quotation).
14.3 Effect of Termination
Termination does not affect rights or obligations that accrued before termination, including any closing of a purchase already triggered. The confidentiality obligations of Section 11.3 survive termination.
14.4 Amendment
As permitted by ORS 60.265(2)(b), this Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by [all persons who are Shareholders at the time of the amendment / the Corporation and Shareholders holding at least [____]% of the outstanding Shares]. Where an amendment disproportionately and adversely affects a Shareholder, that Shareholder's written consent is required. The parties acknowledge that, absent a contrary provision, ORS 60.265(2)(b) defaults to amendment only by all then-shareholders.
15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION & GOVERNING LAW
15.1 Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon, without regard to conflict-of-laws principles, and the internal affairs of the Corporation are governed by the Act.
15.2 Mediation
Before commencing arbitration or litigation (other than for injunctive relief), the parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute through non-binding mediation administered by [mediation provider] in [County] County, Oregon.
15.3 Arbitration
Any dispute not resolved by mediation shall be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the [American Arbitration Association] under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, before [one (1) / three (3)] arbitrator(s), seated in [City], Oregon. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
15.4 Forum; Injunctive Relief
Notwithstanding Section 15.3, any party may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief or specific performance (including to enforce Sections 3, 6, and 11) from the state or federal courts located in [County] County, Oregon, to which the parties submit to jurisdiction and venue.
15.5 Attorneys' Fees
The prevailing party in any proceeding to enforce this Agreement is entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
15.6 Jury Trial Waiver
EACH PARTY KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT NOT SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION.
16. GENERAL PROVISIONS
16.1 Specific Performance
The parties agree that the Shares are unique, that monetary damages are inadequate for breach of this Agreement, and that the non-breaching parties are entitled to specific performance, consistent with ORS 60.257.
16.2 Further Assurances
Each party shall execute such further documents and take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary to carry out this Agreement.
16.3 Notices
All notices shall be in writing and delivered personally, by nationally recognized overnight courier, or by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the addresses on Exhibit C, and are effective upon receipt (or refusal).
16.4 Successors and Assigns; Joinder
This Agreement binds and inures to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, personal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns. No Person shall acquire Shares unless such Person first executes a joinder agreeing to be bound by this Agreement.
16.5 Severability
If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, it shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
16.6 Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with its Exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement among the parties regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings.
16.7 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which is deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument.
16.8 No Third-Party Beneficiaries
Except as expressly provided, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and their permitted successors and assigns.
17. SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Shareholder Agreement as of the Effective Date. The signatures below are intended to be those of ALL persons who are shareholders of the Corporation as of the Effective Date, as required by ORS 60.265(2).
THE CORPORATION:
[CORPORATION NAME], an Oregon corporation
By: [________________________________]
Name: [____________________]
Title: [____________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
THE SHAREHOLDERS:
[________________________________]
Name: [____________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
Name: [____________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
Name: [____________________]
Date: [__/__/____]
18. SOURCES & REFERENCES
- Oregon Business Corporation Act, ORS Chapter 60.
- ORS 60.265 — Validity of shareholder agreements inconsistent with chapter (the MBCA § 7.32 analog; purposes; form/approval/amendment/10-year default; conspicuous-notation/rescission; cessation on listing; shift of director liability).
- ORS 60.167 — Restriction on transfer of shares and other securities.
- ORS 60.257 — Voting agreements (specifically enforceable).
- ORS 60.254 — Voting trusts.
- ORS 60.174 — Preemptive rights of shareholders (opt-in; only if articles provide).
- ORS 60.247 / 60.467 — Modification of quorum or voting requirements (shareholders / directors).
- ORS 60.771 / 60.774 — Corporate records; inspection of records by shareholders.
- ORS 60.661 — Grounds for judicial dissolution.
- ORS 60.952 — Court proceeding by shareholder in close corporation (fair-value buyout election).
- ORS 653.295 — Noncompetition agreements (employee context).
About this template
- Last updated
- August 12, 2026
- Jurisdiction
- Oregon
- Category
- Corporate & Business
Legal authority
- Oregon Business Corporation Act, ORS Chapter 60
- ORS 60.265 (Validity of shareholder agreements inconsistent with chapter — MBCA § 7.32 analog)
- ORS 60.167 (Restriction on transfer of shares and other securities)
- ORS 60.257 (Voting agreements)
- ORS 60.254 (Voting trusts)
- ORS 60.174 (Preemptive rights of shareholders)
- ORS 60.771; ORS 60.774 (Corporate records; inspection of records by shareholders)
- ORS 60.661 (Grounds for judicial dissolution); ORS 60.952 (Court proceeding by shareholder in close corporation)
Corporate documents govern how a company makes decisions, records them, and handles disputes between owners, directors, and officers. Proper corporate paperwork is what lets a business take advantage of limited liability, pass clean audits, and survive an acquisition or investor review. Skipping formalities like written resolutions and signed consents is one of the fastest ways for a business owner to lose personal asset protection.
Not legal advice
This template is provided for informational purposes. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Checked against the law it cites
The statutes this template relies on are listed under Legal authority.
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