Business · Shareholders

An agreement is only as good as its funding

Most shareholder agreements describe what should happen on a death, disability or departure. Far fewer identify where the money will come from.

What we look at

Triggering events

Death, disability, retirement, dispute and voluntary exit are treated differently in most agreements.

Valuation method

How the purchase price is determined, and whether it still reflects the business.

Funding source

Insurance, cash reserves, financing or vendor take-back — each has different consequences.

Ownership structure

Criss-cross, corporate-owned or hybrid arrangements each affect tax and control.

Disability provisions

Often the least-funded scenario, and statistically a common one.

Review cadence

Agreements drafted years ago frequently no longer match the business or the shareholders.

Stress-test your shareholder agreement

Bring the agreement. We'll walk through each scenario and where the funding stands.

Shareholder agreements are legal documents prepared by your lawyer. Investco Financial advises on the insurance and funding component only.