Buy-Sell Agreements

If you own a business jointly with others, we recommend you establish an owner buy/sell agreement which governs what happens in situations, such as disability or death of an owner or an owner wants to dispose of their ownership interest. 

Want to know where your ownership interest will go? Put it in writing.

A buy-sell agreement serves to solve a number of problems in advance of any potentially contentious times in the business. Essentially, the corporation, business partners or shareholders can agree to the terms and conditions of a future mandatory or optional sale upon the occurrence of a triggering event. This can smooth the transfer of ownership interest in the case of retirement, death, disability, divorce, termination of employment, loss of a professional license, transfer of ownership, bankruptcy, insolvency or receipt of a third-party offer to purchase the business. Working with an experienced CPA will help you ensure all the financial details of the agreement are correctly prepared.

Smith Schafer works with Minnesota businesses, in multiple industries, to prepare and implement buy-sell agreements. Whether you’re hoping to establish a fair purchase price for ownership interest, resolve estate liquidity issues, reduce disputes or simply gain peace of mind by securing the future sale of your business interest, we can advise you on the best approach for your circumstances.

Our Buy-Sell Services:

  • Business Valuations
  • Pricing Approach Recommendation
  • Buy-Sell Agreement Type Selection
  • Collaboration with Attorneys, Insurance Agents & Others
  • Payment Terms Negotiation
  • Financing Consultation
  • Interpretation of Existing Buy-Sell Agreement Terms
  • Resolution of Interest Value Disputes
  • Non-Compete Agreements
  • Owner Interest Transfer Facilitation

We know your industry:

quote icon

Why Clients Choose Us

“We have worked with Smith Schafer for over 45 years. They have been great to work with, from wonderful administrative support, tax staff, and CPAs. They have supported us for years with our financials and mergers/acquisitions. Always there to help!”

 - Washburn McReavy Funeral Chapels

“Our service is always exceptional and never have to second guess the answers.”

 - EnergyPrint, Inc.

“Smith Schafer has provided second to none service and value to my business and personal accounts for over 30 years. Their expertise and knowledge are unmatched by any other accounting firm I have encountered over all these years.”

“The relationship we have built over the years with the staff at Smith Schafer & Associates is one that can never be replaced. They are quick with helping us figure anything out, always willing to pick up the phone and walk us through any problem we are having. Also they are just all so friendly and kind!”

“I have worked with Jason Boynton for several years. He has consistently provided exceptional service and advice always delivered in a timely, pleasant manner.”

“Smith Schafer always makes everything go smoothly. They were recommended to us by our community bank. We have been using their services for many years for our small business and personal taxes. We always feel well taken care of and that we are receiving the best advice, direction, information and tax preparation."

- The Dog Perk Corporation

“Smith Schafer always provides great information for our business. They are thorough with our accounting and financial planning. We have leaned heavily on them with an interpretation of the PPP Loan and COVID-19 planning. They have been instrumental in our success and are always very knowledgeable and quick to respond to any of our questions."

“Smith Schafer has provided second to none service and value to my business and personal accounts for over 30 years. Their expertise and knowledge are unmatched by any other accounting firm I have encountered over all these years."

“The relationship we have built over the years with the staff at Smith Schafer is one that can never be replaced. They are quick with helping us figure anything out, always willing to pick up the phone and walk us through any problem we are having. Also they are just all so friendly and kind!"

“We love our CPA team at Smith Schafer. They have helped us navigate many personal and business decisions."

“Smith Schafer is very dedicated to their clients and always has their best interests in mind. They are very knowledgeable and thinking ahead to what the clients may be needing in the future. We would highly recommend Smith Schafer to our family and friends."

"Always fast, great service and questions answered. Love the people I work with at Smith Schafer. We've been there so long, it's like working with family."

- MotoProz, Inc.

"Smith Schafer is always responsive and in the know about what is important for me and my business. The team is responsive and professional with all my interactions. Very customer-focused."

- Custom Communication

"The people at Smith Schafer always take great care of me. They are so knowledgeable and provide great advice and support."

- Sound and Media Solutions, Inc.