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Buying and Selling a Business

We really enjoy helping people buy or sell their business or company.

Some of our clients buy companies regularly, for others the retirement sale of their business is a once in a lifetime transaction.  Whichever category you fall into we provide the assistance, legal expertise, and reassurance you need to get the deal done.

The buying process involves some or all of the following:

  • Agreeing ‘heads of terms’ i.e. the key principles of the deal such as price together with a confidentiality agreement and possibly an exclusivity period;
  • raising appropriate questions and reviewing the answers provided by the seller about the business (this process is known as “due diligence”);
  • drafting and agreeing the sale agreement together with the extent of the warranties (guarantees) that the seller is giving to the buyer;
  • handling property aspects including any lease or freehold premises required;
  • advising on financing the purchase and acting for the buyer’s or sellers lender;
  • advising you and handling negotiations as you wish throughout the completion process;  making sure that any necessary authorities are in place before the purchase price is paid and business is transferred
  • working with your team of professional advisers

When it comes to any negotiations, we will provide you with practical advice so you know what legal terms it would be reasonable to agree to in the circumstances.

You can rely on us for advice after the deal too, buyers appreciate our advice to improve the business, restructure it or prepare contracts, and sellers often need our help with preparing a new Will and lifetime trusts to mitigate future taxes for the family.

We specialise in advising buyers and sellers on these matters and use the benefit of our legal knowledge, experience, and professional connections to bring your transaction to a successful conclusion.

One size doesn’t fit all. We tailor the extent of our work and our fee to what suits you.  We can handle the whole process for you or advise on specific elements of it if you prefer.

We would like to discuss your plans with you, and even if you feel it is too early to instruct us we can normally give you useful information or a helpful introduction to another professional advisor such as an accountant, surveyor or business valuation expert.