Buy–Sell Agreements That Protect Your Business, Partners & Family
A Buy–Sell Agreement is one of the most important protections a multi-owner business can have. It sets out exactly what happens if a partner passes away, becomes seriously ill, wishes to exit the company, or experiences another event that impacts their ability to continue. Without this clarity, even the strongest partnerships can face financial strain, disputes, or operational disruption at the worst possible time.
Our purpose is to help you create a Buy–Sell Agreement that’s practical, clearly structured and aligned with your long-term goals. We work closely with your legal and accounting team to ensure the agreement is properly funded, fair for all parties, and designed to protect both the business and the families involved. With the right plan in place, you can move forward knowing your business will remain stable, your partners will be looked after, and the value you’ve built is protected no matter what.
What a Buy–Sell Agreement Helps You Protect
A Buy–Sell Agreement establishes a clear, structured plan for what happens if a business partner unexpectedly leaves. It removes uncertainty, reduces conflict, and ensures your business, your partners and your families remain protected during major transitions.
We help document exactly how ownership transfers if a partner can no longer continue, ensuring operations remain stable and uninterrupted.
A well-structured agreement prevents the business from being forced into rushed decisions, pressured sales, or unmanageable financial obligations.
We guide you through strategies that ensure partners’ families are looked after fairly and appropriately, without placing strain on the business.
We help you understand funding options, including insurance-backed structures, so remaining partners can buy out the departing partner’s share without financial hardship.
By documenting expectations early, we help prevent disagreements between partners, spouses, families and other stakeholders during emotional or unexpected situations.
Why a Buy–Sell Agreement Matters
Business partnerships are built on trust, but even the strongest partnerships face change. Without a Buy–Sell Agreement, these moments can create uncertainty, financial pressure, and conflict for both the business and the families involved. A structured agreement removes confusion and ensures your business can continue operating smoothly, even during difficult times.
A well-designed agreement outlines exactly what happens to an owner’s share of the business, how it will be valued, and how it will be funded. With the right strategy in place, you protect your partners, protect your family’s interests, and preserve the value you’ve worked hard to build.
How a Buy–Sell Agreement Protects You:
- Ensures ownership transfers are clear and legally supported
- Prevents disputes between partners or their families
- Protects your business from financial strain during transitions
- Avoids forced sales or rushed decisions in emotional situations
- Helps maintain continuity for staff, clients and operations
A Buy–Sell Agreement gives everyone certainty, partners, families, staff and clients, so your business remains stable no matter what life brings.
What You Can Expect With 360
We help you define how ownership should transition in a way that’s fair and future-focused.
We work closely with your accountant and solicitor to create a cohesive, well-coordinated plan.
From insurance-backed solutions to structured buyouts, we help you choose an approach that keeps the business strong.
We ensure your agreement aligns with your wealth plan, estate plan and long-term business direction.
Your agreement stays up to date as your partnership, valuation, or business structure changes over time.
Why Work With 360 Financial Strategists
Expert Guidance That Protects Your Business and the People Behind It
Creating a Buy–Sell Agreement is about protecting your partners, your family, and the legacy you’re building together. We understand the financial and personal implications behind partnership decisions. We take the time to understand your ownership structure, your long-term goals, and the relationships within your business so your agreement reflects what matters most.
Our team works closely with your accountant, solicitor and insurance specialists to ensure every part of your agreement is aligned, practical and properly funded. With a strategic, well-coordinated approach, you gain confidence knowing the business can continue smoothly through unexpected change, and that every partner is supported with clarity, fairness and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Buy–Sell Agreement and why do I need one?
A Buy–Sell Agreement outlines what happens if a business partner leaves unexpectedly due to illness, death, disability or personal choice. It protects the business from disruption, prevents disputes and ensures ownership transitions are handled smoothly and fairly.
How is a Buy–Sell Agreement funded?
Most agreements are funded through insurance, allowing the remaining partners to buy out the departing partner’s share without putting financial strain on the business. We help you understand the best funding approach for your structure.
What events can trigger a Buy–Sell Agreement?
Common triggers include death, total or permanent disability, critical illness, bankruptcy, divorce, or voluntary exit. Your agreement is customised to cover the events most relevant to your partnership.
Do all partners need to be part of the agreement?
Yes, for the agreement to work effectively, all equity partners should be included. This ensures fairness, clarity and consistency across the entire business structure.
What’s the difference between a Buy–Sell Agreement and a partnership agreement?
A partnership agreement outlines how the business operates. A Buy–Sell Agreement addresses what happens when a partner leaves unexpectedly. Both are important, but the Buy–Sell Agreement specifically protects ownership transitions.
How often should a Buy–Sell Agreement be reviewed?
We recommend reviewing it annually or whenever your business valuation, ownership structure or personal circumstances change. Regular reviews keep your agreement accurate and relevant.
We’re Here to Help with Your Questions and Enquiries
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