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Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement

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Right of First Refusal to Purchase All Shares of Corporation from Sole Shareholder

This Right of First Refusal is made on the (date),

between of , referred to herein as Purchaser, and of , referred to herein as Seller;

Whereas, Purchaser desires to obtain a right of first refusal or first option to purchase all shares of from Seller, who is the sole shareholder;

Whereas, Seller agrees to grant Purchaser a right of first refusal or first option to purchase all shares of from Seller pursuant to the terms of this agreement;

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Grant of Right of First Refusal

The Seller does hereby grant unto the Purchaser the exclusive and irrevocable right, during the term of this agreement, of first refusal and first option to purchase, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, all of Seller's common stock in , which consists of shares and which constitutes 100% of the said corporation’s outstanding common stock.

2. Exercise of First Option

This right of first refusal or first option to purchase may only be exercised by Purchaser within days from notification by Seller that Seller has received a bona fide offer to purchase said stock at an acceptable price (the Price). Seller is obligated to provide such notice to Purchaser prior to selling said stock to the third party making said offer.

3. TERMS OF PURCHASE

In the event Seller elects to sell and Purchaser desires to exercise his first refusal rights granted under the terms of this agreement, the terms of purchase shall be as set forth as follows:

A. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this agreement, Seller agrees to sell, transfer, assign and deliver to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase, all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of , hereafter called Corporation, consisting of shares of common stock.

B. Consideration for Stock

On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this agreement, Purchaser agrees to pay to Seller, as the purchase price of the shares of said capital stock, the following:

1. $ cash payable at closing; or

2. $1.00 more than any bona fide offer to purchase received by Seller from any third party; whichever is higher.

C. Conduct of Business Before Closing

Seller agrees that, from the date of this agreement until the date of closing, Corporation will at all times conduct its business in the usual and ordinary course and will not, without the written consent of Purchaser, (a) purchase, sell, or otherwise dispose of any property or services of any kind, other than purchases and sales in the ordinary course of business; (b) mortgage, pledge, create security interests in or otherwise encumber any of its properties or assets; (c) make or incur any capital commitment or expenditure or any unusual or long term commitment; (d) grant any increase in salary or other increased compensation to any of its employees; (e) declare or pay any dividend or make any other distribution to shareholders; (f) reveal to third persons any trade secrets, customer lists, or other confidential or proprietary information, or act otherwise in any manner that may adversely affect its rights, interests, assets, or business; or (g) issue or sell any additional stock or other securities, or grant any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any options or warrants for the purchase of, any additional stock or other securities.

D. Closing

The closing of the purchase and sale provided for in this agreement shall take place at , at , or at such other time and place as may be mutually agreed on by the parties, the time and date being referred to in this agreement as the Closing Date. At the Closing, Seller shall deliver to Purchaser all share certificates, assignments, and other instruments that may be necessary, desirable, or appropriate to transfer and assign to Purchaser all of the outstanding shares of Corporation, all in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for Purchaser..

E. Representations and Warranties of Seller

Seller represents and warrants to and agrees with Purchaser as follows:

1. Corporation is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of , with full corporate power to carry on its business as now being conducted and to own and operate the properties and assets now owned and operated by it. Corporation is duly qualified to transact business and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business requires it to be licensed or qualified to do business. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a copy of its certificate of incorporation and all amendments to the certificate, certified by the Secretary of State of , together with a copy of its bylaws as amended, certified by its secretary.

2. Corporation has no subsidiaries.

3. The authorized capital stock of Corporation consists of shares of common stock, of which shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this agreement. All of the outstanding shares of Corporation are validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable. There are no options, warrants, or other agreements or commitments obligating Corporation to issue any additional shares of capital stock or other securities.

4. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a balance sheet for the year ending , and financial statements for the years . The financial statements are complete and accurate, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted principles of accounting consistently applied, and fairly present the financial condition of Corporation as of and the results of its operations for the Corporation as of , together with statements of income and surplus for the years then ended. Corporation has no liabilities, whether absolute, accrued, contingent, or otherwise, other than (a) liabilities disclosed or adequately provided for on the balance sheet as of ; (b) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business since which, individually and in the aggregate, are not material in amount; and (c) liabilities disclosed in the Schedule referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Section.

5. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a complete and accurate Schedule, identified by reference to this Paragraph 5 of this Section, listing all liens, encumbrances, licenses, leases, employment agreements (including any pension, profit-sharing, bonus or severance pay commitments), collective bargaining agreements, and other contracts, undertakings, and commitments to which Corporation is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its properties are subject. Corporation has performed all obligations required to be performed by it under such liens, encumbrances, licenses, leases, contracts, agreements, and other undertakings and commitments and is not in default under any of them.

6. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a complete and accurate Schedule, identified by reference to this paragraph of this Section, listing all equipment, furniture, fixtures, and other physical assets owned by Corporation as of the date of this agreement.

7. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a complete and accurate Schedule, identified by reference to this paragraph of this Section, listing any trademark registrations, trademark applications, trade names, copyrights, and licenses owned or held by Corporation. Corporation owns or holds all trademarks, copyrights, licenses, and other rights necessary for the conduct of its business. The conduct of Corporation's business does not conflict with or infringe any patent, trademark, trade name, copyright, or other rights of others. No patents, inventions, trademarks, or other rights that are used, useful, or relate to the business of Corporation are owned by Seller.

8. Corporation has good and marketable title to all properties and assets used in its business, including all properties and assets reflected in the balance sheet as of , and all properties and assets acquired by it after that date, subject to no liens, mortgages, pledges, encumbrances, or charges of any kind, except as disclosed in the Schedule referred to in Paragraph 5 of this Section. The equipment and other facilities of Corporation are in good operating condition and repair.

9. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser a complete and accurate Schedule, identified by reference to this Paragraph of this Section, listing and briefly describing all policies of fire, liability, life, and other insurance maintained by Corporation. These policies are in amounts and provide coverages customarily maintained by similar businesses similarly situated and are in full force and effect on the date of this agreement.

10. Corporation has delivered to Purchaser complete and accurate Schedules, identified by reference to this Paragraph of this Section, listing (a) all employees of Corporation and their respective rates of compensation, including fringe benefits; and (b) the principal customers of Corporation and the current fee schedule with those customers, as of .

11. Attached as Exhibit A, and incorporated by reference, is a list of all bank accounts and safe deposit boxes presently maintained by Corporation, showing the names of all persons authorized to make withdrawals or sign checks on those accounts or have access to them, and any powers of attorney, presently in effect, granted by Corporation.

12. No litigation, proceeding, or controversy is pending against Corporation before any court or any governmental agency and, to the knowledge of Seller no such litigation, proceeding, or controversy is threatened or anticipated. Corporation has not violated any laws, regulations, or orders applicable to its business or activities, and the conduct of the present business of Corporation at its present location is in conformity with all zoning and building code requirements.

13. All accounts receivable of Corporation shown on its balance sheet as of , and all accounts receivable later acquired by it have been collected or are collectible in the amounts at which they are carried on its books.

14. Since , there has been no adverse change in the condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities, capitalization, or business of Corporation, no dividend or other distribution declared, paid, or made on any shares of its capital stock, no direct or indirect redemption, purchase, or other acquisition on any shares of its capital stock, no decrease in its net worth [other than losses incurred in the ordinary course of business not exceeding $ in the aggregate, assuming a Closing Date of not later than ], no damage, destruction, or loss (whether or not covered by insurance) adversely affecting its properties, business or prospects; no increase in the rate of compensation payable or to become payable to any officer or other employee of Corporation (except as disclosed in the Schedule referred to in Paragraph 10 of this Section or approved in writing by Purchaser); no significant labor dispute; and no other event or condition which has adversely affected the business of Corporation.

15. Since , the business of Corporation has been conducted diligently and in the ordinary course, Corporation has not sold or transferred any of its property or assets, and no employment or other contracts have been entered into by Corporation except as disclosed in the schedule furnished pursuant to Paragraph 5 of this Section.

16. Corporation has filed all federal, state, and other tax returns that are required to be filed by it and has paid or made provision for the payment of all taxes due pursuant to those returns or pursuant to any assessment that is not being contested. The provision made for taxes on the balance sheet as of is sufficient for the payment of all accrued and unpaid federal, state, county, municipal, and local tax liabilities of Corporation for the period then ended and for all years prior to that period. Federal income tax returns of Corporation have not been audited by the United States Internal Revenue Service and Corporation has not waived any statute of limitations governing federal or state income tax claims.

17. Neither the execution nor the delivery of this agreement by Seller, nor the performance of any of their respective obligations under this agreement by Seller or Corporation, will result in a breach or violation of any term or provision of or constitute a default under any indenture, mortgage, or other agreement or instrument to which either of them is a party.

18. Seller has good title to all shares of capital stock of Corporation to be sold by Seller, with full right, power, and authority to sell and deliver the shares pursuant to this agreement. On delivery of the shares pursuant to this agreement, Purchaser will receive good and marketable title to the shares, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, restrictions, equities, and any claims.

F. Representations and Warranties of Purchaser (if a Corporation)

Purchaser represents and warrants to and agrees with Seller as follows:

1. Purchaser is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of .

2. The execution, delivery, and performance of this agreement by Purchaser has been duly authorized by its board of directors, and will not result in any breach of or violate or constitute a default under the articles of incorporation or bylaws of Purchaser or any indenture, mortgage, or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party.

G. Conditions to Obligations of Purchaser

The conditions contained in this Section are included in this agreement for the benefit of Purchaser and, without constituting a waiver of any of his rights under this agreement, may be waived, in whole or in part, by Purchaser. The obligations of Purchaser under this agreement are subject to the fulfillment, at or prior to the Closing Date, of the following conditions:

1. All representations and warranties of Seller contained in this agreement and in any certificate or other instrument delivered pursuant to the provisions of this agreement, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement, shall be true on the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though the representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date.

2. Seller shall have performed and complied with all the terms, covenants, and conditions of this agreement to be performed or complied with on or before the Closing Date.

3. Seller shall have delivered to Purchaser a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date, certifying such detail as Purchaser may reasonably request to the fulfillment of the conditions specified in this Section.

4. There shall have been delivered to Purchaser an opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of , counsel for Seller, satisfactory in form and substance to counsel for Purchaser, to the effect that: (a) Corporation is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of , with full corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now being conducted; (b) all corporate proceedings of Corporation necessary to authorize the transaction contemplated by this agreement have been duly taken; (c) Corporation is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification; (d) this agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligations of Seller in accordance with its terms; (e) all assignments and other documents necessary to effect the transfer and assignment of all outstanding shares of capital stock of Seller in Corporation to Purchaser as contemplated by this agreement have been duly executed and delivered and are adequate to transfer and assign the shares to Purchaser; (f) so far as is known to counsel, Corporation has good and unencumbered title to its assets and properties, except as set forth in the Schedule referred to in Paragraph 5 of Section E; (g) counsel is not aware of any litigation, proceeding, or controversy pending or threatened against Seller or Corporation; and (h) neither the execution nor the performance of this agreement will violate any applicable law of any jurisdiction, or any order, judgment, or decree of any court or governmental agency, or any agreement, indenture, or other instrument known to counsel.

5. No damage, destruction, or loss (whether or not covered by insurance), and no other event or condition materially and adversely affecting the properties, business, or prospects of Corporation shall have occurred.

H. Conditions to Obligations of Shareholder

The conditions contained in this Section are included for the benefit of Seller and, without constituting a waiver of any of Seller rights under this agreement, may be waived, in whole or in part, by Seller. The obligations of Seller under this agreement are subject to the fulfillment, on or before the Closing Date, of the following conditions:

1. All representations and warranties of Purchaser contained in this agreement, and in any certificate or other instrument delivered pursuant to the provisions of this agreement, or in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement, shall be true on the closing date with the same force and effect as though the representations and warranties had been made on the Closing Date.

2. Purchaser shall have performed and complied with all the terms, covenants, and conditions of this agreement to be performed or complied with by it on or before the Closing Date.

I. Indemnification

Seller agrees to indemnify Purchaser and Corporation against and in respect of any and all liabilities or obligations of or claims against Seller or Corporation of any nature, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, or otherwise, existing or asserted to exist as of the Closing Date to the extent the liability, obligation, or claim is not disclosed on or reserved against in full on the balance sheet of Corporation as of ; is not incurred in the ordinary course of business by Seller or Corporation subsequent to ; and any and all losses, damages, costs, and expenses incurred by Corporation or Purchaser in defending against any of those matters or by reason of any breach of any of the representations and warranties of Seller made in this agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered pursuant to this stock purchase agreement.

J. Expenses

Each of the parties to this agreement shall bear the party's own expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by this agreement.

L. Survival of Warranties

The warranties, representations, and covenants set forth in this agreement shall continue in full force and effect and shall survive the closing.

4. No Waiver

The failure of either party to this Agreement to insist upon the performance of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, or the waiver of any breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, shall not be construed as subsequently waiving any such terms and conditions, but the same shall continue and remain in full force and effect as if no such forbearance or waiver had occurred.

5. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of .

6. Notices

Any notice provided for or concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given when sent by certified or registered mail if sent to the respective address of each party as set forth at the beginning of this Agreement.

7. Mandatory Arbitration

Any dispute under this Agreement shall be required to be resolved by binding arbitration of the parties hereto. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator, each party shall select one arbitrator and both arbitrators shall then select a third. The third arbitrator so selected shall arbitrate said dispute. The arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in force and effect.

8. Entire Agreement

This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and any prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement shall not be binding upon either party except to the extent incorporated in this Agreement.

9. Modification of Agreement

Any modification of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either party in connection with this Agreement shall be binding only if placed in writing and signed by each party or an authorized representative of each party.

10. Assignment of Rights

The rights of each party under this Agreement are personal to that party and may not be assigned or transferred to any other person, firm, corporation, or other entity without the prior, express, and written consent of the other party.

11. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

(Printed or typed name of Seller)

(Printed or typed name of Purchaser)

Seller

Purchaser

Enter text✕

What a Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement Is

A Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement is a contractual mechanism used in equity financing and private-company transactions to manage transfer rights of shareholders. The document typically combines a ROFR—giving the company or existing holders the option to purchase proposed shares before third-party sales—and a co-sale (tag-along) right—allowing minority investors to participate pro rata when major holders sell. It defines triggering events, notice and exercise procedures, allocation methods, pricing formulae, transfer restrictions, and remedies for breach, and it is commonly attached to or referenced in shareholders agreements and stock transfer ledgers.

Why parties include this agreement in equity transactions

It preserves control over shareholder composition, protects minority shareholders from unwanted third-party introductions, and provides an orderly procedure for secondary sales while minimizing valuation disputes.

Why parties include this agreement in equity transactions

Who typically uses a ROFR and co-sale agreement

The agreement is useful across stages, but terms and notice periods are negotiated based on company size, capitalization, and investor leverage.

  • Founders and executives balancing control with investor liquidity rights.
  • Early-stage and venture investors protecting exit and dilution interests.
  • Corporate secretaries or counsel implementing transfer-compliance processes.

Roles that sign and enforce this agreement

Founder

Founders sign to agree to transfer restrictions and to preserve management control; they must understand exercise mechanics and valuation formulas to avoid unintended dilutive sales or liquidity barriers.

Investor

Investors sign to secure protections like co-sale rights and ROFRs; they should confirm notice delivery methods, timeframes for exercise, and anti-assignment clauses before funding rounds.

Required agreement elements at a glance

Parties: Full legal names
Shares: Class and quantity
Trigger Events: Types of transfers
Notice: Delivery method
Exercise Period: Time limit days
Pricing: Valuation method

Step-by-step: completing the agreement

Follow these steps to prepare and execute a clear, enforceable ROFR and co-sale agreement.

  • 01
    Assemble parties: List legal entity names and addresses accurately.
  • 02
    Define triggers: Specify which transfers trigger ROFR and co-sale rights.
  • 03
    Set notice: Choose method, recipient, and required information in notices.
  • 04
    Finalize signatures: Have authorized signatories execute and date the document.

Where to send or file executed copies

Determine internal and external recipients to ensure enforceability and proper corporate records updates.

  • Company records: Deliver executed originals to corporate secretary for stock ledger updates.
  • Investor counsel: Provide copies to each investor's legal representative for file retention.
  • Escrow agent: If part of a closing, route copies to escrow or closing agent.
  • Regulatory filing: Public companies may need disclosure in SEC filings where material.

Digital workflow configuration for online completion

Set up a reliable e-signing workflow that captures identity, timestamps, and retains an audit trail for each executed agreement.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email link or SMS code
Document Template Reusable template with conditional clauses
Notice Automation Auto-send executed copies to stakeholders
Retention Encrypted storage with audit trail

Distribution and platform considerations for e-signing

Ensure the eSignature provider supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, offers a reproducible audit trail, and meets any industry-specific requirements before executing electronically.

  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, fillable forms
  • Security: AES-256 at rest

Typical timelines and notice periods

Timelines vary by negotiated terms; below are common choices used in practice for ROFR and co-sale procedures.

Notice Delivery Period:

Commonly 10–30 days for initial notice

Exercise Window:

Frequently 15–30 days to accept ROFR

Closing Completion:

60–90 days after exercise for transfer

Escrow/Settlement:

Timing per share purchase agreement

Record Update:

Update stock ledger upon closing

Common drafting and administrative pitfalls

  • Unclear pricing method: failing to define valuation formula creates disputes over purchase price.
  • Improper notice clauses: vague delivery methods lead to missed exercise periods and contested transfers.
  • Authority gaps: signatories without corporate authority can render the agreement voidable or unenforceable.
  • Inconsistent exhibits: mismatched share schedules or capitalization tables undermine enforceability and closing.

Key legal and commercial risks

Breach damages: Monetary liability possible
Unenforceability: Poor form may be voidable
Securities risk: Regulatory disclosure issues
Tax exposure: Unexpected tax consequences
Delayed liquidity: Hindered secondary sales
Valuation disputes: Price-setting litigation risk

Core clauses to include in a professional agreement

A well-drafted ROFR and co-sale agreement balances transfer control, investor liquidity, and clear operational mechanics to reduce disputes.

ROFR Clause

Specifies which proposed transfers trigger a company or holder first refusal and details the offer process, price determination, and timelines for acceptance.

Co-Sale (Tag-Along)

Allows participating investors to sell a pro rata portion of their holdings alongside a selling shareholder on identical terms and conditions.

Pricing Mechanism

Defines the valuation method—formula, independent appraisal, or negotiated price—and procedures for resolving price disputes.

Notice and Delivery

Establishes required notice content, delivery methods, and the information buyers must provide to trigger exercise rights.

Transfer Restrictions

Lists prohibited transfers, permitted exceptions, and any required approvals from board or shareholders before transfers complete.

Remedies and Enforcement

Specifies injunctive relief, damages, specific performance rights, and fee-shifting provisions for breach enforcement.

Practical drafting and execution tips

Apply precise language and consistent definitions to minimize ambiguity and support enforcement under state contract law.

Use consistent party names
Always use the exact legal entity or individual name as shown on formation documents or government ID to avoid disputes over signatory identity and authority.
Define pricing clearly
Specify whether price follows third-party offer, fair market valuation, or a defined formula; include a dispute resolution method such as appraisal to avoid litigation.
Limit ambiguous exceptions
If carve-outs (e.g., transfers to affiliates) are allowed, define them narrowly and require prior notice to preserve the intent of the ROFR and prevent circumvention.
Document internal processes
Establish and record internal routing for notices, board approvals, and stock ledger updates so the company can demonstrate compliance with the agreement's procedures.

How this document differs from related transfer agreements

Compare ROFR and co-sale features with similar instruments to choose the right protection for your transaction context.

Document Type Allows Secondary Sale Company Option to Buy Investor Consent Needed
ROFR + Co-Sale sometimes
Right of First Offer sometimes
Tag-Along Only
Share Purchase Agreement

eSignature vendor comparison for executing this agreement

Comparison of common eSignature providers and plan-level capabilities relevant to executing and storing shareholder transfer agreements.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Varies Varies Varies Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) Yes (BAA) Varies Varies
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

How teams use ROFR and co-sale provisions in practice

Realistic use cases show how the agreement manages transfer mechanics and investor protections in different scenarios.

Startup Financing

Early investors seek liquidity during growth rounds

  • Founder receives a third-party offer triggering ROFR
  • The company exercises purchase rights, preventing an outside investor takeover and preserving cap table stability while offering limited investor exit opportunities.

Secondary Sale

A large shareholder seeks to sell to a strategic buyer

  • Co-sale allows minority investors to sell pro rata alongside the seller
  • Minority investors access liquidity on the same economic terms and the company avoids concentrated ownership changes that could disrupt governance.

Frequently asked questions about ROFR and co-sale agreements

Answers to common questions on enforceability, e-signing, notice procedures, and interactions with securities laws.


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