Corporate and Commercial
When setting up a business, we have explained the different ways of doing so and whether it would be best to operate as a sole trader (if only one person), partnership or limited company. If there is more than one person involved, we have also raised the major issues that need to be discussed between them about the business, such as finance, management and exit, and which should be dealt with in a carefully drafted partnership or shareholders agreement. By addressing such issues at the outset and reaching agreement on them, there is less likely to be problems in the future.
We have also acted for many people who have taken on a franchise, and we have advised them not only on the terms of their franchise agreement but also on the initial steps that they should take before committing to the franchise such as checking out the franchisor and speaking to other franchisees.
Once the business is up and running, we have advised that appropriate contractual arrangements should be put in place with customers and suppliers, agents and distributors, again so as to reduce the risk of disputes arising in the future.
Buying or selling a business or company can be a testing process, particularly if the client has not done it before and beacuse, if the client is the seller, he or she also has to continue to run the business until it is sold. We have explained what is involved and guided them through the process, including preparing the business for sale, due diligence and funding if the client is the buyer, preparing the heads of agreement with the other side as well as negotiating the purchase documentation itself.
Many business owners of course do not want to sell but would rather pass it onto someone else such as members of their family or employees. We have acted for clients in that situation as well as for those who are intending to take on the business.
We offer a prompt personal service. We aim to develop a close and continuing relationship with you so that we can get to know you and your business and deal with your requirements more effectively.
Services
- Starting a business
- Partnership and shareholder agreements
- Company law
- Terms and conditions of sale or purchase
- Distribution, agency and franchise agreemnts
- Acquisitions and disposals of business and companies
For further information please call Nick Guinness on 01225 358507.