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Vested Equity Agreement Template for Canada

A Vested Equity Agreement under Canadian law is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions under which company equity (typically shares or stock options) is granted to an individual, usually an employee or contractor, with specific vesting conditions. The agreement complies with Canadian federal and provincial securities regulations, corporate law requirements, and relevant tax legislation. It details the vesting schedule, conditions for acceleration or forfeiture, shareholder rights, and restrictions on transfer. The document includes provisions for various scenarios such as termination of employment, company sale, or initial public offering, while ensuring compliance with Canadian securities laws and tax regulations.

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What is a Vested Equity Agreement?

The Vested Equity Agreement is a crucial document in Canadian business operations, particularly for companies looking to attract and retain key talent through equity compensation. This agreement is commonly used in situations where a company wants to grant equity to employees, contractors, or other stakeholders while ensuring their long-term commitment through a vesting schedule. The document must comply with Canadian federal and provincial securities laws, including the Canada Business Corporations Act and relevant provincial Securities Acts. It's especially important in startups and growth companies where equity compensation is a key component of remuneration packages. The agreement typically includes detailed vesting schedules, conditions for acceleration, clawback provisions, and tax considerations specific to Canadian jurisdiction.

What sections should be included in a Vested Equity Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the company issuing equity and the recipient (usually an employee or contractor)

2. Background: Context of the agreement, relationship between parties, and purpose of the equity grant

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Shares', 'Vesting Date', 'Cause', 'Good Reason', etc.

4. Grant of Equity: Details of the equity being granted, including number of shares/options and class of securities

5. Vesting Schedule: Specific timeline and conditions for vesting of equity, including cliff period if applicable

6. Purchase Price and Payment: Terms of payment if applicable, including payment method and timing

7. Representations and Warranties: Statements of fact by both parties regarding their ability to enter into the agreement

8. Rights and Restrictions: Voting rights, dividend rights, transfer restrictions, and other limitations on the equity

9. Termination Provisions: Effects of employment termination on vested and unvested equity

10. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information related to the equity grant

11. General Provisions: Standard clauses including governing law, amendments, notices, and entire agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Vested Equity Agreement?

1. Tag-Along Rights: Include when providing rights to join in sale of shares by major shareholders

2. Drag-Along Rights: Include when majority shareholders want right to force minority holders to join in sale

3. Right of First Refusal: Include when company or other shareholders should have first right to purchase shares being sold

4. Tax Provisions: Include detailed tax treatment section if complex tax implications exist

5. Board Observation Rights: Include if granting rights to attend board meetings

6. IP Assignment: Include if equity grant is tied to intellectual property rights

7. Non-Competition: Include if requiring non-compete provisions tied to equity ownership

8. Special Vesting Triggers: Include if specific events (like change of control) affect vesting

What schedules should be included in a Vested Equity Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Vesting Schedule: Detailed breakdown of vesting dates and percentages

2. Schedule B - Share Certificate: Form of share certificate to be issued

3. Schedule C - Shareholders' Rights: Detailed description of rights attached to shares

4. Schedule D - Board Resolutions: Copy of board resolutions approving the equity grant

5. Schedule E - Consent of Spouse: Spouse's acknowledgment and consent to terms (if required)

6. Appendix 1 - Tax Election Forms: Required tax forms including Section 85 election forms if applicable

7. Appendix 2 - Share Valuation: Independent valuation report or calculation of share value

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Canada

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Stock Agreement

Cost

Free to use

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