What is a Partnership Agreement?
A partnership agreement defines how two or more people or businesses will work together, share profits, make decisions, and resolve disputes. Without one, the default rules of your country's partnership law apply — which often don't reflect what the partners actually want. Our EU partnership agreements cover all the key terms needed to start a partnership on the right footing.
What's included
- Partner roles, responsibilities, and authority
- Capital contributions and profit/loss sharing
- Decision-making and voting procedures
- Partner admission and exit provisions
- Dissolution and winding-up procedures
- Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses
- Dispute resolution and deadlock provisions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a partnership agreement if we're just two founders?+
Yes — especially as founders. A clear agreement on equity, decision-making, and what happens if a founder leaves (vesting, buyout terms) is essential before you start building.
Is a partnership agreement the same as a shareholder agreement?+
Not exactly. A partnership agreement governs an unincorporated partnership. A shareholder agreement governs a company with shareholders. If you've incorporated, you need a shareholder agreement.
What happens if we don't have a partnership agreement?+
The default rules of your country's Partnership Act apply, which may not reflect your intentions — particularly around profit sharing and what happens when a partner wants to leave.