【中文版】
对赌协议是指投资人与目标公司或其股东在达成并购或融资协议时,对于未来不确定的情况进行一种约定,以保障投资人权益的条款。通常情况下,对赌协议涉及到目标公司的业绩、市场份额等关键指标,以及与这些指标相关的估值、补偿等条款。
在并购场景中,对赌协议通常作为估值调整机制,对于目标公司在约定时间内未能达到预期业绩的情形,投资人有权要求一定的补偿,这通常表现为股份的转让或现金的支付。而在融资场景中,对赌协议则通常作为激励手段,对于目标公司在约定时间内达到预期业绩的情形,投资人会给予一定的奖励,这通常表现为股份的奖励或现金的减免。
对赌协议的实质是一种风险控制手段,通过对于未来不确定性的约定,平衡了投资人和目标公司之间的利益关系,降低了投资风险。同时,对赌协议也鼓励目标公司管理层发挥主观能动性,努力实现业绩目标,有利于企业的长期发展。
然而,对赌协议也存在一定的风险和挑战。过高的对赌目标可能使目标公司管理层面临巨大的压力,甚至可能影响企业的日常经营。同时,如果投资人过于强调对赌协议的执行,也可能会给目标公司管理层带来短期的行为偏差,影响企业的长期发展。因此,在签订对赌协议时,需要充分考虑各方利益和风险,制定合理的条款和条件。
【英文版】
A valuation adjustment mechanism (VAM) is a term used in mergers and acquisitions for an agreement between the acquirer and the target company's shareholders, usually based on a number of financial performance targets. The VAM is typically structured to adjust the price paid for the target company based on the actual level of performance achieved.
In a VAM, the target company's shareholders typically receive compensation if the company fails to meet the agreed performance targets. This compensation can be structured in a number of ways, including additional shares in the acquiring company, cash, or a combination of both. The VAM serves as a risk-mitigation tool for the acquirer, as it provides an opportunity to adjust the purchase price based on actual performance.
VAMs are also commonly used in venture capital and private equity transactions as an incentive for the management team of the target company to achieve the agreed performance targets. In this case, if the targets are met, the management team may receive additional shares or cash bonuses as a reward. The VAM encourages the management team to work harder to achieve the targets, which benefits both the investors and the company in the long run.
However, VAMs also carry some risks and challenges. Setting unrealistic performance targets may put undue pressure on the management team and even affect the company's daily operations. Excessive emphasis on VAM executions may also lead to short-term behavior偏差in management, which may hurt the company's long-term development. Therefore, when signing a VAM, it is important to fully consider the interests and risks of all parties and set reasonable terms and conditions.