Lawyers who understand business
We are experienced in all aspects of commercial law, having worked in a range of commercial law practices from the top tier Allens Linklaters to sole practitioner practices. Perhaps more importantly, we have hands on experience with our family businesses including property development, fast food, manufacturing and legal practice, so we understand what you face.
Read on to see what we can do for you.
Sale and purchase of business
Often the biggest transaction of all for your business, we make sure that this goes smoothly for both sides. We will handle:
- preparing the sale agreement, schedules and special conditions;
- notifying employees;
- the transfer of any leases, key business agreements and supply relationships;
- the transfer of liquor licences, food permits or any other government licences;
- the transfer of intellectual property like trade marks, copyright and domain names;
- advising on any related franchise or buying group arrangements;
- attending settlement, and organising the transfer of business name, shares, and other relevant assets; and
- related legal and tax advice.
Once we understand your transaction, we will provide you with a fixed quote where we can.
Co-operation agreements
If you are going into business with friends or acquaintances, we will ensure that you have a rock-solid agreement setting out how you will work and invest together, and how you will deal with a variety of contingencies, such as:
- each person's initial contributions and responsibilities;
- how and when new people can be introduced to the business;
- how you will pay yourselves, and how you will distribute or reinvest profits;
- what to do if the business needs new funding;
- decision-making, especially if the parties do not agree;
- how the parties can exit from the business in a fair way; and
- dispute resolution.
Supply or service agreements
If you are entering into an important agreement like a supply, marketing or agency agreement and need a lawyer to review it, we will be there to help.
These key agreements are crucial to the health of your business, affecting your legal risk, profitability and tax outgoings, so make sure you get expert advice before signing!
If you need us to draft a new agreement, or terms of use, we are committed to drafting clearly and in plain English. This will make your agreements easier to understand and enforce in future.
Send us a copy of your agreement or discuss your circumstances with us, for a fixed price quote.
Commercial leases
We can assist with any aspect of a commercial lease, such as:
- preparing or reviewing a landlord's or assignor's disclosure statement;
- entering into a new lease;
- applying for five-year rental term waiver certificate;
- extending or varying an existing lease; or
- arranging for assignment of lease to third party.
Give us a call to discuss your circumstances, and we will provide a fixed quote for your work.
When starting a new company or partnership, it is crucial to lay the ground rules between the founders properly. It is all too easy to think 'I have known my business partner for 10 years, what could go wrong?' Circumstances change, and trust and understanding can evaporate in a moment. Issues that should be agreed at the outset include:
- how to add or remove partners, directors or shareholders;
- specific roles and responsibilities for specific partners, directors or shareholders;
- procedures for selling out of the partnership or company;
- drag along rights: requirements for minority shareholders to sell if a majority shareholder decides to sell to a legitimate purchaser;
- pre-emptive rights, or rights of last refusal, in respect of the sale of other shareholders' or partners' interests;
- the right for certain shareholders to appoint directors;
- compulsory retirement ages;
- consequences in the event of death or disability; and
- dispute resolution processes.
