Purchase Terms
Defines number/class of shares, purchase price, payment method, escrow, and adjustments.
A precise SPA reduces post-closing disputes by documenting price, share count, transfer mechanics, and remedies. It supports enforceability under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and most state UETA statutes when executed electronically, and clarifies tax and corporate-record obligations that affect risk allocation and regulatory reporting.
Several internal and external roles participate in an SPA: each has specific tasks before, at, and after closing.
Assign responsibilities early and document signatory authority to avoid delays at closing.
Defines number/class of shares, purchase price, payment method, escrow, and adjustments.
Seller and buyer statements about authority, capitalization, financials, and compliance.
Scope of warranty protections, survival periods, baskets, caps, and indemnity procedures.
Board approvals, consents, regulatory clearances, and satisfaction or waiver mechanics.
Deliverables at closing: share certificates, transfers on stock ledger, executed transfer instruments.
Transitional services, non-competes, escrow releases, dispute resolution, and governing law.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Specify sequence: seller sign first or simultaneous signing |
| Authentication | Use email + SMS code or stronger ID verification for key signers |
| Conditional Fields | Show escrow or closing deliverable fields only if applicable |
| Retention | Enable export of signed PDF and audit trail to corporate storage |
Choose an eSignature platform that supports audit trails, appropriate authentication, and integrations with your document repository and accounting systems.
Preserve signed copies and the audit certificate in the company records and share copies with tax counsel or transfer agent as required.
| 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 plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Effective date when shares transfer and payment occurs
Complete required corporate approvals prior to closing
If applicable, file within 30 days of transfer to preserve tax basis
Report sale per IRS rules and consult tax counsel for reporting obligations
Follow the SPA schedule for escrow and indemnity holdback releases
Optica used an eSignature workflow to manage multiple signers and documents efficiently.
Tech Data standardized execution for a range of corporate documents using template-based workflows.
The CEO or authorized officer signs to transfer shares and confirm representations. They must have board authorization and attach any required resolutions or power of attorney to evidence authority.
The CFO or buyer's authorized representative signs to confirm payment terms, escrow arrangements, and post-closing accounting treatment; they should preserve proof of funds and bank wiring instructions.