Last Updated February 27, 2024
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What is a Joint Venture Agreement?
A Joint Venture Agreement, or a “JV agreement,” is a contract where two or more business entities enter temporarily to achieve a common goal. It outlines their rights, responsibilities, and common objectives for their temporary business relationship.
The goals of entering a joint venture could include:
- Product development
- Sharing resources
- Diversifying
- Gaining access to a wider market
- Growing without outside funding
- Funding the growth of another business
A Joint Venture Agreement is valuable because it allows each member to share in the risks and rewards. It can also minimize disputes by documenting the members’ mutual understanding.
What are the different types of Joint Venture Agreements?
There are two different types of joint ventures: contractual joint ventures and incorporated joint ventures.
In a contractual joint venture, two businesses work together with a common goal. They then sign a contract that adheres to these details. In this arrangement, both parties operate separately and do not pool their profits or losses, despite sharing a common goal. There are no registration requirements, and each company has its own records.
An incorporated joint venture is when a group of individuals (“joint venturers”) file together for incorporation. This filing then creates a single legal entity. They do so to meet an agreed upon business objective.
What is the difference between joint ventures and partnerships?
A joint venture is when two separate business entities work together for a common goal. Our Joint Venture Agreement is suitable for those entering contractual joint ventures, meaning the members have a shared goal but operate as separate business entities with no pooling of profits or losses.
On the other hand, partnerships consist of individuals or business entities who are in business together with a view to making a shared profit and likewise share responsibility for the debts of the partnership. Those in a partnership use Partnership Agreements to outline their rights and duties.
In Australian law, joint ventures cannot also be partnerships. You either agree to a joint venture or a partnership.
How do I create a Joint Venture Agreement?
Our simple Joint Venture Agreement allows you to customise your business details and walks you through each section, step-by-step:
- Add the details of the joint venture, including the industry, location, address, purpose, and start and end dates.
- Provide information on members of the joint venture, including names, contact information, duties, restrictions, and capital contributions.
- Set the terms for business management, including the responsibilities of daily operations, when to hold meetings, and member voting weight, that is, whether it is one member one vote, or in proportion to capital contributions.
- Set terms to help avoid or manage disputes, including the terms for non-competition and confidentiality and information on mediation or arbitration.
What are the pros and cons of using a Joint Venture Agreement?
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Cons |
- You or your business could save money.
- Acquiring more resources (human, financial, and technical).
- Opportunity for collaboration and growth (new markets and distribution channels).
- Any company can enter a Joint Venture Agreement, no matter the size.
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- There is potential for dispute (members might also be competitors; clashing company cultures and management styles, etc).
- Potential for imbalances (resources, investments, or expertise).
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Are Joint Venture Agreements legally binding?
Yes, Joint Venture Agreements are legally binding, assuming they have all the elements of a valid contract. Therefore, breaching a Joint Venture Agreement can have serious legal consequences.
Terminating a Joint Venture Agreement
There are factors to keep in mind if the parties involved consider terminating the contract such as:
- Change of control: Who will take over the joint venture or its assets after termination? This must be planned and negotiated among everyone involved.
- Risk analysis: Ensure the assessment of potential liabilities and exposures upon termination, and take steps to mitigate those risks.
- Financial considerations: All financial obligations and settlements should be reviewed and assessed.
- Distribution of assets upon termination: How assets will be divided among the joint venture members or other parties involved.