Michael May
Buyout traps for privately held businesses
Any business with more than one owner eventually faces the issue of succession, typically in the context of an owner's retirement, death, or disability. Except in cases where shares are given or bequeathed to family members, it is usually anticipated that shares will be redeemed by the business or purchased by the other owners upon these events. As a business and estate attorney, I often see hidden traps in buyout arrangements.