Simple Shareholders Agreement for Canada

Simple Shareholders Agreement Template for Canada

A comprehensive legal agreement governed by Canadian law that establishes the rights, obligations, and relationships between shareholders in a corporation. This document outlines key aspects such as share transfer restrictions, voting rights, management participation, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It provides a framework for corporate governance while protecting both majority and minority shareholder interests, incorporating relevant provisions from the Canada Business Corporations Act and applicable provincial legislation.

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What is a Simple Shareholders Agreement?

The Simple Shareholders Agreement serves as a foundational document for Canadian corporations with multiple shareholders, providing a clear framework for shareholder relationships and corporate governance. It becomes necessary when a corporation has more than one shareholder and needs to establish clear rules for share ownership, transfers, and decision-making processes. This agreement, while termed 'simple', covers essential aspects such as share transfer restrictions, voting rights, management participation, and dispute resolution, all while complying with Canadian federal and provincial corporate laws. It's particularly valuable for private corporations where shares are not publicly traded and shareholders need clear guidelines for their interactions and rights.

What sections should be included in a Simple Shareholders Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies all shareholders and the corporation as parties to the agreement

2. Background: Sets out the context of the agreement, including details about the corporation and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions and Interpretation: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement and interpretation rules

4. Share Ownership and Capital Structure: Details current shareholdings and classes of shares

5. Management and Control: Outlines corporate governance, board composition, and decision-making processes

6. Shareholder Meetings: Procedures for calling and conducting shareholder meetings, voting rights

7. Transfer Restrictions: Restrictions on share transfers and required procedures

8. Right of First Refusal: Process for existing shareholders to purchase shares before external sale

9. Tag-Along Rights: Minority shareholders' right to join in sale of majority shares

10. Drag-Along Rights: Majority shareholders' right to force minority to join in sale

11. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding corporate and shareholder information

12. Dispute Resolution: Procedures for resolving disputes between shareholders

13. General Provisions: Standard closing provisions including notices, amendments, governing law

What sections are optional to include in a Simple Shareholders Agreement?

1. Pre-emptive Rights: Right of existing shareholders to maintain ownership percentage in new share issuances

2. Share Valuation: Methods for determining share value in various scenarios

3. Death/Disability Provisions: Procedures for handling shares upon death or disability of a shareholder

4. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on shareholders competing with company or soliciting employees

5. Dividend Policy: Framework for determining and distributing dividends

6. Put and Call Options: Rights to force purchase or sale of shares under specific circumstances

7. Employment Requirements: Any linkage between employment and share ownership

8. Intellectual Property Rights: Provisions regarding ownership and use of company IP

What schedules should be included in a Simple Shareholders Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Current Shareholdings: Detailed list of all shareholders and their current holdings

2. Schedule B - Share Capital: Details of authorized and issued share capital, share classes and rights

3. Schedule C - Reserved Matters: List of decisions requiring special majority or unanimous approval

4. Schedule D - Valuation Formula: Agreed methodology for share valuation

5. Schedule E - Form of Deed of Adherence: Template for new shareholders to join the agreement

6. Schedule F - Corporate Information: Key corporate details including directors, officers, and registered office

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 | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

Canada

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Technology

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Retail

Healthcare

Real Estate

Financial Services

Construction

Agriculture

Energy

Media and Entertainment

Transportation and Logistics

Consulting

Education

Relevant Teams

Legal

Corporate Governance

Executive Leadership

Finance

Compliance

Corporate Affairs

Investment Relations

Board Secretariat

Relevant Roles

CEO

Corporate Lawyer

Legal Counsel

Company Secretary

Chief Financial Officer

Board Director

Managing Director

Business Owner

Corporate Governance Officer

Compliance Manager

Investment Manager

General Counsel

Corporate Secretary

Shareholder Relations Manager

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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