Change of Control Clause

O que é

A change of control clause is triggered when ownership or control of a contracting party changes, for example by a takeover, merger, or sale of a majority stake. It gives the other party defined rights, such as consent, notification, renegotiation, or a right to terminate.

Porque é importante

You chose your counterparty for who they are; a takeover may put a competitor or a riskier owner behind the contract. A change of control clause protects against being bound to an unwanted new party, especially where assignment alone would not be triggered.

Como aplicar

• Define "control" precisely: voting rights, board control, or a percentage threshold.
• Choose the consequence: notice, prior consent, renegotiation, or termination.
• Carve out intra-group reorganisations that do not change ultimate control.
• Coordinate the clause with the assignment and confidentiality provisions.

Exemplo de redação

If a person acquires control of a party (directly or indirectly holding more than fifty percent of its voting rights), the other party may terminate this agreement on thirty (30) days' written notice.

Dicas de negociação

• • The target should narrow "control" and exclude internal restructurings to avoid an unintended trigger.
• • The protected party should secure termination, not merely a duty to notify.

Erros frequentes

• • Defining control too loosely, so an ordinary group reorganisation triggers the clause.
• • Relying on the assignment clause alone, which a share sale may not trigger.

Referências jurídicas

• BW 6:248 Reasonableness and fairness Direito neerlandês

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.