by Undo Capital
December 15, 2025

What Is an Option Agreement?

An option agreement is a legal contract that sets out the terms under which a person is granted the right to acquire shares in a company at a future date.

Option Agreement Meaning

The option agreement meaning centres on defining how, when and at what price share options can be exercised. To define option agreement in practice, it covers the exercise price, vesting schedule, leaver provisions, expiry date and any performance or exit conditions. A clear option agreement definition is essential for both the company and the option holder, as it governs rights, tax treatment and what happens if employment ends. Option agreements are commonly used in EMI, CSOP and growth share structures to align long-term incentives with company success.

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