Legal Question in Business Law in Minnesota

business buyout (unfriendly)

Two of us have a s corp. 50/50

I am not satisfied with his performance and want to buy his half. We have no buyout agreement. What are my legal rights? We have been in business twenty years.


Asked on 6/05/07, 3:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Steven Vatndal Law Office of Steven J. Vatndal

Re: business buyout (unfriendly)

If, after examining the corporate records and how assets are held (sometimes key assets are not actually owned by the corporation), and trying to renegotiate tasks (and perhaps compensation) withing the corporation; there is still no way to resolve this dispute because you have equal voting rights both as shareholders and directors; we have deadlock. In the absence of controling corporate agreements, there is a Minn. statute that allows for one of the 50/50 shareholders to petition the court to order the liquidation of corporate assets. Although some precautions can be taken, this process is often harmful to the value of the business as a going concern and thus should be avoided if at all possible.

If you think you've thoroughly attempted to work this out on your own, I suggest you hire an attorney to (1) make another attempt to negotiate this with the other shareholder and (2) make sure that the other shareholder understands that you are willing to compel a liquidation of the corporation if necessary.

Please e-mail me directly if you want to further discuss this.

Read more
Answered on 6/05/07, 4:49 pm
David Anderson Anderson Business Law LLC

Re: business buyout (unfriendly)

Without a Buy-Sell agreement, you would be limited to statutory dissolution or voluntary workout.

I have done this with other busineses and have 25 years experience in corporate law.

Read more
Answered on 6/05/07, 5:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in Minnesota