What is a lock-up agreement and what are its implications for an investor?

Entering into a lock-up agreement when selling your business can have significant implications. Depending on the complexity of the transaction, the lock-up period can range from a few months to over a year. A lock-up agreement may limit your ability to negotiate certain aspects of timing and terms. However, it can also help stabilize a potential acquisition and mitigate risk for the buyer. Being unable to sell your interest in the business during the lock-up period can impact liquidity and your ability to manage the tax effects of the eventual sale. Of course, the specific terms within the lock-up agreement will play a crucial role.

It depends on the language in the joint venture agreement.

I am a WA State employment attorney. If you didn’t receive anything in return for signing the non-compete, it may be relatively easy to get out of it. If, however, you signed in return for something, such as a severance package, it will be challenging to get out of the agreement. However, many non-compete agreements are written overly broadly and may not be enforceable under the laws of WA and other states. You may want to consult with a WA State employment attorney for a review of the documents and law(s) of the state(s) where you may want to work or set up a business. (A WA State attorney can only provide legal advice in WA, but can help you find applicable law/case decisions for other states but without providing anything beyond information, much like a law librarian).

I am a WA State attorney. For starters, obtain a copy of your policy, print it, and read it carefully, using a yellow highlighter to highlight your questions/concerns, while making notes on a notepad. Check with independent malpractice insurers in WA to determine typical amounts of coverage in your field and county. Consider buying more on your own and/or an umbrella policy. Check with instructors, mentors, and colleagues in your field to seek guidance on adequate coverage.

If you are in Washington State, where I'm licensed, as opposed to D.C., please let me know what kind of help you are looking for - have you already signed the agreement? I've been a WA State attorney for nearly 38 years, and specialize in employment law.