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For Business

Corporate & Commercial

Making decisions relating to your business will require careful consideration, taking into account your long-term objectives and goals. Whether you are buying or selling your business, going through a merger or acquisition, or reviewing your commercial contracts, you will need the right legal team on your side to provide you with pragmatic, efficient and timely advice.

Our Corporate and Commercial Solicitors understand the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the business landscape.  We have years of experience acting for a variety of organisations across different sectors from start-up organisations, SMEs and large corporations.  Our expertise coupled with that of our colleagues across the firm and recommended external connections position us ideally to provide a versatile approach to your commercial requirements, ensuring a smooth deal with your aims in mind.

Corporate and Commercial Legal Advice for your business

Our Corporate and Commercial Law team can assist you with a wide range of transactions, including:

Buying a Business

Buying a business requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the legal framework. Our experienced Corporate Solicitors are well versed in facilitating seamless transactions, conducting due diligence, leading terms negotiations, and drafting watertight agreements. We can assist in evaluating the benefits of buying an existing business, the difference between a share purchase and asset purchase, the necessary warranties and how to act should an issue arise. 

Commercial Contracts

Effective and clear commercial contracts are the foundation of a successful business relationship. Our Commercial Lawyers specialise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts, from supply agreements and distribution contracts to partnership agreements and service contracts.  Our aim is to provide you with contracts that are legally compliant, protecting your interests and leading to a prosperous future.

Corporate Finance

Whether you are securing financing, restructuring, or engaging in complex financial transactions, our Corporate Finance Solicitors are here to guide you.  We can provide strategic corporate funding advice to help you make informed decisions that align with your business goals when you are seeking to raise funds from banks, venture capitalists, investors or lenders.

Corporate & Partnership Disputes

Disputes among shareholders or partners can have significant implications for a business. Our Dispute Resolution Solicitors are adept at handling corporate and partnership disputes, offering practical and efficient solutions to resolve conflicts. We can recommend strategies and legal agreements you can have in place to reduce the risk of disputes arising in the future, for example through a Shareholder Agreement or Partnership Agreement.

Franchising

Expanding through franchising can be a lucrative venture, but it requires specialist advice before proceeding. Our Franchise Solicitors assist in drafting franchise agreements, explaining the various regulatory requirements, and enabling resolution in the event of disagreement. Our franchising advice ranges from sales and purchases of franchisee businesses, confidentiality undertakings, company formations, trademarks and intellectual property, exit routes and more. 

Joint Ventures

Collaborative ventures can open new avenues for growth, but they also come with unique challenges. Our Joint Venture Solicitors are experienced in structuring and negotiating joint ventures, providing legal advice to protect your interests and foster successful partnerships.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions are transformative deals that require careful planning and execution. Our Corporate Solicitors have extensive experience guiding clients through the complexities of mergers, acquisitions, and disposals. From conducting due diligence to negotiating terms and drafting agreements, we provide comprehensive mergers and acquisitions advice to ensure successful transactions that align with your strategic objectives.

Selling a business

Selling your business will be a significant step and we appreciate the importance of finding the right buyer combined with the right legal team.  Our Business Sale Solicitors are on hand to guide you along the way from the initial consultation, valuation, how to prepare for sale, negotiations, due diligence and completion, as well as answering any questions you may have relating to the cost and impact on your employees.

Terms & Conditions

Clear and well-drafted business terms and conditions are essential for establishing a transparent and fair relationship with your customers, suppliers and clients. Your terms and conditions should clearly define products or services, payment terms, delivery details, and dispute resolution mechanisms.  Our Commercial Solicitors assist in drafting and reviewing these documents, ensuring legal compliance, an awareness of duties, rights and responsibilities, as well as protection of your interests.  

Corporate and Commercial Solicitors in Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton and Witney

Our team of dedicated Corporate and Commercial Solicitors serves clients across Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton and Witney. We take pride in being a local legal partner with a national perspective, providing tailored solutions to businesses of all sizes in these communities and across the country. Whether you are a start-up, a thriving organisation, an established corporation or an entrepreneur we are here to explore the complexities of Corporate and Commercial Law on your behalf.

Other legal services for business

We understand that businesses require comprehensive legal support across all facets of their operations. In addition to our expertise in Corporate & Commercial Law, our team offers a range of services tailored to address your diverse needs:

  • Commercial Property – For some businesses, their premises will be an integral part of their success, their culture and their identity.   Our experienced Commercial Property Solicitors assist in matters such as property acquisitions, leases, developments, and landlord and tenant issues.
  • Employment Law - Managing a workforce comes with a myriad of legal obligations as an employer. Our Employment Law Solicitors provide comprehensive advice on queries such as employment contracts, workplace policies, discrimination issues, transfer of employees through TUPE and dismissals.
  • Dispute Resolution & Litigation - Resolving disputes efficiently is crucial to maintaining the smooth operation of any business. Our Dispute Resolution Solicitors adopt various approaches, including arbitration, mediation, and litigation, to address disputes arising from contracts, partnerships, employment issues, debt recovery and more.

 

Corporate and Commercial Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of well-drafted commercial contracts?

Your relationship with your clients, suppliers and customers will hinge on the commercial contract in place and so due care and attention should be given.  Every commercial contract will be different depending on the parties involved; however, there are key clauses that will define the obligations, rights and responsibilities, including:

  • Clearly setting out the parties involved and definitions for essential terms to remove ambiguity. 
  • Detailing the scope of work or services.
  • The dates for when the contract begins. 
  • Explaining payment schedules and methods, as well as any applicable penalties for late payments.
  • Setting out intellectual property rights. 
  • Confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure requirements.
  • Detailing the conditions under which the contract can be terminated and exit strategies. 
  • Dispute resolution techniques.
  • Any warranties that are applicable relating to assets, liabilities and accounts.

Should I buy an existing business?

There are several benefits to buying an existing business opposed to setting up your own; however that decision will fundamentally depend on your current situation, your finances and your objectives for the future.  Depending on the business in question, some of the benefits could be:

  • You will be purchasing a proven track record of revenue and profitability.
  • You can benefit from an established customer base,
  • You will have their trained employees with knowledge of the industry, and
  • You will have tried and tested operational processes in place.

What are the costs involved in selling my business?

There will be several financial considerations at play when you are selling your business which mainly arise from the professional services and advice required to ensure a successful transaction, including:

  • Legal fees
  • An accountant for financial preparations
  • Broker or financial advisor
  • Tax advisor for advice on Capital Gains Tax

Through our many years of experience, we are able to make recommendations to those experts who take your transaction as seriously as we will.

Can a Shareholder Agreement stop disputes?

A Shareholder Agreement can certainly reduce the risk of a dispute arising as it sets out in a clear, legally binding document the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of shareholders in a company, typically addressing the following matters:

  • Ownership and equity
  • Management and decision-making
  • Rights and obligations
  • Financial matters
  • Dispute resolution
  • Exit strategies
  • Confidentiality and non-compete clauses
  • Succession planning

Contact our Corporate & Commercial Solicitors

Our Corporate and Commercial Solicitors are here to provide you with the answers to your questions relating to your business.  To discuss your plans for the future with a member of the team, contact us in our  Andover, Romsey, Salisbury, Totton and Witney offices by completing our Contact Form, using the following telephone numbers or email info@parkerbullen.com.