Episode 21 | Where There's A Will, There's A Way
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Buy-Sell Agreements: A Conversation With Expert and Author Paul Hood
Buy-Sell Agreements and Their Place in an Asset Protection Plan
This post features Part 2 of a recent two-part program to be later aired on New York City public access cable in which I was interviewed by Sandra Schulte on an array of topics in the business divorce universe. Sandra has...more
When a married couple enters into a divorce proceeding, they generally expect to end things in a final decree that fully divides all of their marital assets. But when they fully own or have a large interest in a closely held,...more
One of the thorniest issues private company owners and minority investors may be required to confront in going through a business divorce is determining the value of the minority interest being purchased. It is not unusual...more
Business divorces often involve turbulence as business partners go through this process. But partners who plan ahead can navigate through their business divorce to avoid capsizing the company or frustrating their personal...more
Just like any kind of relationship, not all business partnerships are built to stand the test of time. They can sour just as easily as a romantic partnership or friendship as vision and long-term goals diverge, financial...more
When longtime business partners in private companies go through a business divorce, emotions often run high. One or both of the partners may be seeking a “revenge premium” in the business divorce process based on their...more
Spring is soon upon us. March Madness is at our doorstep. The Formula 1 season is underway. Baseball season will be in full swing shortly. And my allergies are already in bloom....more
Success is not just an elusive goal – it can also be difficult to maintain once achieved. For majority owners in private companies, achieving success is just the first hurdle, because once they arrive at this pinnacle, they...more
During Valentine’s Day month, we are taking a look at 50-50 owned private businesses. Forming a co-owned company may sound like a good idea on paper because the two partners are close friends or family members who are making...more
Money talks when the majority owners of private companies add new business partners who contribute additional capital. When these investors are high-powered PE firms or high-profile companies, with large balance sheets and...more
Business divorces take place in all types of private companies, including those owned and operated by family members. But families that are willing to engage in thoughtful planning can head off some of the internal conflicts...more
While there is tremendous diversity from state to state when it comes to statutory and judge-made law in business divorce cases, business valuation principles are—with a few notable exceptions—far more homogenous. So it...more
The era of the old-fashioned general partnership long ago petered out, largely displaced by subchapter S corporations and, in the last few decades, limited liability companies, both of which allow pass-through taxation...more
How often do hopeful beneficiaries of a last will and testament expect to receive what they think will be a valuable bequest of a business interest, only to find their joy turn to despair when they discover the bequest...more
Hindsight can be a wonderful thing, especially if hard-earned lessons are adopted by others who are willing to learn from past mistakes. When private company owners and investors share with me some of the wisdom they have...more
Family members who enter into a private business together are taking on double risk. They face the same types of challenges that all owners and investors face in operating/investing in a business, but they are also exposed to...more
One need not peruse the pages of this blog for long to learn that its authors strongly advise against entering into an owners’ agreement that calls on the members to “annually” (or worse, “regularly”) update a critical aspect...more
If you are the owner of a business that does not have a buy-sell agreement in place, or you have not reviewed your buy-sell agreement recently, it may be time to sit down with your attorney. Buy-sell agreements can be complex...more
It may be a reflection of summer’s lazy days or a simmering frustration that has built up over time, but it is not uncommon for a majority owner or a minority investor in a private company to decide the time has come to...more
Successful private company owners often share the traits of having vision, passion and a strong sense of purpose. That does not mean that they govern their companies without having any disagreements with their minority...more
Following a challenging year for business owners, the time to decompress and celebrate with family and friends this holiday season provided a necessary respite. When business resumes, however, there are important action items...more
One of the pleasures of being a litigator is that we constantly learn. The pleasure multiplies as a law blogger, where articles we write inspire litigation arguments, and litigations we fight inspire articles....more
Nestled between Broadway and Church Street in New York City’s hottest neighborhood is the landmarked, stone-façade building at 66-68 Reade Street. Now marketed as the superluxury boutique condominium complex 66 Reade, the...more
A year and a half ago, we blogged about a decision in which Bronx County Supreme Court Justice Llinet M. Rosado ruled that a shareholder’s alleged stock transfer through a bequest in his last will and testament was...more
Disagreements are common between business partners in private companies, but most do not lead to a partner exit. When partner conflicts become severe enough to warrant a business divorce, however, majority owners and minority...more