First Refusal Agreement Template for India

The First Refusal Agreement is a crucial document in Indian business and property transactions, providing a structured framework for protecting preferential rights in various commercial arrangements. This agreement is commonly used when a party wishes to secure a priority position in future transactions, whether for property acquisition, business purchases, or asset transfers. The document must comply with Indian legal requirements, including the Indian Contract Act, 1872, and may need to address specific sectoral regulations. It typically includes detailed mechanisms for triggering the right, notice requirements, valuation methods, and exercise procedures. The agreement is particularly valuable in joint ventures, property developments, and corporate structuring, where maintaining control over ownership transfers is essential. Careful consideration must be given to competition law implications and enforcement mechanisms under Indian law.

1. Parties: Identifies and defines the parties to the agreement - the grantor (who gives the right) and the grantee (who receives the right)

2. Background: Sets out the context and purpose of the agreement, including description of the subject matter

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Right of First Refusal: Explicitly states the grant of the right and its basic scope

5. Trigger Events: Clearly defines what events or circumstances trigger the right of first refusal

6. Notice Requirements: Details the process and requirements for notification when the right is triggered

7. Exercise Procedure: Specifies how and when the right must be exercised, including timeframes and formal requirements

8. Purchase Price and Payment Terms: Establishes how the purchase price will be determined and payment conditions

9. Duration and Termination: Specifies the term of the agreement and circumstances for termination

10. Assignment and Transfer: Addresses whether and how the rights can be assigned or transferred

11. Governing Law: Specifies Indian law as the governing law

12. Dispute Resolution: Sets out the process for resolving disputes

13. Notices: Details how formal notices under the agreement must be given

14. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including severability, entire agreement, and amendments