When starting a business in Australia, it`s important to have a solid shareholder agreement in place. A shareholder agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder and sets clear guidelines for decision-making, dispute resolution, and other important issues.
While it`s always best to consult with a lawyer when drafting a shareholder agreement, there are a variety of free templates available online that can be used as a starting point. Here are some of the best free shareholder agreement templates for Australian businesses:
1. LegalVision: LegalVision is a popular Australian online legal service provider that offers a free shareholder agreement template on their website. The template covers all the key elements of a standard shareholder agreement, such as shareholder rights, share transfers, and dispute resolution.
2. Lawpath: Lawpath is another online legal service provider that offers a free shareholder agreement template for Australian businesses. Their template includes sections on share capital, shareholder obligations, and director appointments.
3. ASIC: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) provides a free shareholder agreement template on their website. The template is designed to be used by small businesses and covers topics such as share transfers, dividends, and shareholder meetings.
It`s important to keep in mind that while these templates can be a useful starting point, they should always be reviewed by a lawyer to ensure that they are tailored to your specific business needs and comply with Australian laws and regulations.
In addition to using a template, it`s also important to work closely with your fellow shareholders to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the terms of the agreement. This can help prevent future disputes and ensure the success of your business.
In conclusion, a shareholder agreement is a crucial document for any business in Australia, and there are a variety of free templates available online to help get you started. However, it`s important to consult with a lawyer and work closely with your fellow shareholders to ensure that the agreement is tailored to your specific needs and that everyone understands the terms.