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Let's say a US citizen holds 51% of the shares of a company, and an Indian citizen living in the US invests in the company in exchange for 49% of the shares. Are there any legal implications to consider if someone from a tax haven country were to then invest in this company?

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Are you saying that the person that holds 51% is a US citizen? – Zuly Gonzalez♦ Jun 25 '11 at 13:29
the investor is indian citizen who will hold 49% will invest the money – maume Jun 25 '11 at 17:29
@maume: Right, I understand that. What is unclear to me is how the US citizen fits into this. Is the US citizen the one that holds 51% of the shares, or is he a third party that may come in at a later date? – Zuly Gonzalez♦ Jun 25 '11 at 17:50
the us citizen will hold 51% and indian citizen who will hold 49% is the same person who will invest also in us.am i clear? thank you – maume Jun 25 '11 at 18:02
I think I understand now. I edited your question to make it easier to understand. Will this company be based in the US? – Zuly Gonzalez♦ Jun 25 '11 at 20:06
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3 Answers

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The investor's share purchase agreement needs to be drafted appropriately.

However, there is no prohibition against an Indian citizen in the U.S. - or anyone else - investing funds merely because they previously were in a tax haven country.

Disclaimer: This information does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

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I've handled investments by people from all over the world into US companies- typically LLCs through private placements of membership interests. First, do your diligence on the person- require that you see the person's passport, proof of residency, etc., and do a background check, and second, make sure that your purchase agreement contains standard securities law representations-usually that the person is an accredited investor:

http://www.sec.gov/answers/accred.htm

I would also make sure that the person can make additional representations, such as "no money laundering", etc.

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up vote 1 down vote

My company (in US) has bunch of EU investors. Your purchase agreement just need to state your investors certify they comply with their local laws. That is it (from what I remember).

BUT, if this person is in US under Green Card or any kind of visa, that is when it might get trickier.

In either case, you have to have some help from an attorney. Don't be cheap with this. With all the Ponzi schemes going on and bubble underway, regulators are looking for opportunities to make an example out of you.

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Thank you so much apollo. – maume Jun 26 '11 at 17:43

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