Equity Incentive Agreement Template for Australia

An Australian-law governed agreement that establishes the terms and conditions for granting equity-based incentives to employees or other eligible participants. The document outlines the specifics of equity grants, including vesting conditions, exercise rights, and restrictions on disposal, while ensuring compliance with Australian corporate law, tax regulations, and employment standards. It serves as a comprehensive framework for implementing employee share schemes and other equity-based incentive programs, incorporating necessary protections for both the issuing company and the participant.

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What is a Equity Incentive Agreement?

The Equity Incentive Agreement is a crucial document for Australian companies seeking to align employee interests with company success through equity participation. It is commonly used by both established companies and startups to attract, retain, and motivate key talent by offering shares, options, or other equity instruments as part of their compensation package. The agreement must comply with Australian regulatory requirements, including the Corporations Act 2001, relevant tax legislation, and ASX rules for listed companies. It typically includes detailed provisions on grant terms, vesting conditions, exercise procedures, and restrictions on disposal, while also addressing various scenarios such as employment termination and change of control events. This document is particularly vital in the current competitive business environment where equity incentives are increasingly becoming a standard component of employee compensation structures.

What sections should be included in a Equity Incentive Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the company issuing the equity incentives and the eligible employee/participant

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including reference to any employee share scheme and board approvals

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions of terms used throughout the agreement, including specific equity-related terminology

4. Grant of Equity Interest: Details of the type and quantity of equity interest being granted

5. Vesting Conditions: Specific conditions that must be met for the equity interest to vest

6. Exercise of Rights: Process and conditions for exercising vested equity interests

7. Restrictions on Disposal: Limitations on selling or transferring the equity interests

8. Tax Obligations: Treatment of tax liabilities and responsibilities of both parties

9. Termination Provisions: Consequences of employment termination on equity interests

10. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information

11. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including governing law, notices, and amendment procedures

What sections are optional to include in a Equity Incentive Agreement?

1. Change of Control: Provisions dealing with company sale or merger scenarios - include for startup or growth companies

2. Bad Leaver Provisions: Additional consequences for termination due to misconduct - include for senior executives

3. Tag-Along Rights: Rights to participate in sale of majority shareholding - include for significant equity grants

4. Drag-Along Rights: Obligation to participate in company sale - include for significant equity grants

5. Clawback Provisions: Company's right to recoup equity in certain circumstances - include for senior executives

6. International Provisions: Additional terms for international participants - include if scheme covers multiple jurisdictions

What schedules should be included in a Equity Incentive Agreement?

1. Grant Details: Specific details of equity grant including number of shares/options and grant date

2. Vesting Schedule: Detailed timeline and conditions for vesting of equity interests

3. Acceptance Form: Form for participant to formally accept the equity grant and terms

4. Tax Summary: Summary of tax implications and obligations

5. Exercise Notice: Form for exercising vested equity interests

6. Company Constitution Excerpt: Relevant sections of company constitution affecting equity interests

7. Shareholders Agreement Summary: Key provisions from shareholders agreement affecting participants

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

Genie AI

Sector

Cost

Free to use

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Equity Incentive Agreement

An Australian agreement governing the grant of equity-based incentives to employees, including terms for vesting, exercise, and disposal of equity interests.

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