Relationship Agreement Template for Switzerland

A Relationship Agreement sets clear ground rules between business partners, investors, or family members who share ownership in Swiss companies. It goes beyond standard contracts to spell out how key decisions get made, who has what rights, and how profits or losses get divided.

Under Swiss law, these agreements help prevent costly disputes by establishing clear protocols for share transfers, voting rights, and management duties. They're especially valuable for family businesses and startups, where personal and professional interests often overlap. While not mandatory, Swiss courts generally respect these agreements when properly structured and signed by all parties.

Consider creating a Relationship Agreement when starting a new business venture or restructuring ownership in a Swiss company. These agreements become essential during major transitions like bringing in new shareholders, planning succession in family businesses, or setting up joint ventures with multiple stakeholders.

The ideal time to draft one is before conflicts arise - typically during company formation, ownership changes, or when expanding operations. Swiss business owners often implement these agreements when defining profit-sharing mechanisms, establishing decision-making processes, or protecting minority shareholder interests. They're particularly valuable for startups seeking investment and family-owned enterprises planning generational transfers.

• Basic Partnership Relationship Agreement: Covers fundamental aspects like profit sharing, management rights, and decision-making processes for small businesses and startups
• Family Business Relationship Agreement: Focuses on succession planning, family member roles, and maintaining harmony between business and family interests
• Investment Relationship Agreement: Details investor rights, exit strategies, and reporting requirements for external stakeholders
• Joint Venture Relationship Agreement: Structures cooperation between multiple parties, including resource allocation and operational responsibilities
• Shareholder Relationship Agreement: Addresses minority protection, share transfer restrictions, and voting rights in larger corporate structures

• Business Partners: Primary parties who sign and are bound by the Relationship Agreement, including co-founders, shareholders, and joint venture participants
• Legal Counsel: Swiss attorneys who draft and review these agreements to ensure compliance with local corporate law and enforceability
• Family Members: Stakeholders in family businesses who use these agreements to define roles, responsibilities, and succession plans
• Board Members: Directors who implement and oversee compliance with agreement terms in corporate governance
• External Investors: Venture capitalists or angel investors who require these agreements before funding Swiss startups

• Business Details: Gather complete legal names, addresses, and roles of all parties involved in the agreement
• Ownership Structure: Document current shareholdings, voting rights, and any existing agreements between parties
• Decision Framework: Define key decision-making processes, approval thresholds, and management responsibilities
• Financial Terms: Outline profit-sharing arrangements, capital contributions, and dividend policies
• Exit Strategy: Plan scenarios for ownership changes, succession, or company sale
• Documentation: Use our platform to generate a Swiss-compliant agreement that includes all essential elements and minimizes legal risks

• Party Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and roles of all signatories under Swiss law
• Purpose and Scope: Clear definition of the relationship's objectives and limitations
• Rights and Obligations: Detailed breakdown of each party's responsibilities and entitlements
• Governance Structure: Decision-making processes and voting mechanisms aligned with Swiss corporate law
• Financial Provisions: Profit distribution, cost allocation, and capital contribution requirements
• Dispute Resolution: Swiss arbitration or mediation procedures and applicable jurisdiction
• Exit Mechanisms: Procedures for termination, transfer of rights, or dissolution

A Relationship Agreement differs significantly from a Collaboration Agreement in several key aspects. While both govern interactions between parties, their scope and application vary considerably under Swiss law.

• Scope and Duration: Relationship Agreements typically establish long-term governance structures and ownership rights, while Collaboration Agreements focus on specific projects or temporary joint activities
• Legal Binding: Relationship Agreements create permanent structural arrangements affecting company ownership and control, whereas Collaboration Agreements usually cover operational aspects and temporary partnerships
• Party Involvement: Relationship Agreements primarily bind shareholders, family members, or business partners in ownership positions, while Collaboration Agreements often involve independent entities working together on specific initiatives
• Financial Integration: Relationship Agreements include comprehensive profit-sharing and capital structure provisions, while Collaboration Agreements typically focus on project-specific cost and revenue allocation