BUSINESS COMMERCIAL                     

We advise businesses, business owners and individuals on a range of commercial matters, including business acquisitions, commercial agreements, business premises and employment-related issues connected with business transactions.

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We can help you understand the legal documents involved, identify potential risks and deal with the practical steps required to complete a transaction.

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How We Can Help

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Our business and commercial services include advice on:

• business sales and purchases;

• asset purchase agreements;

• share purchase agreements;

• heads of terms or letters of intent;

• non-disclosure agreements;

• partnership agreements;

• commercial leases;

• lease assignments;

• transfers of commercial property;

• company charges and post-completion registrations;

• due diligence before buying or selling a business; and

• employment issues arising on a business transfer, including TUPE.

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Business Sales and Purchases

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Buying or selling a business can involve detailed legal, financial and practical issues. The structure of the transaction will usually determine the documents required and the level of due diligence needed.

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A transaction may be structured as:

• an asset purchase, where the buyer purchases specific assets of the business, such as equipment, goodwill, stock, contracts or premises; or

• a share purchase, where the buyer purchases shares in a company and takes ownership of the company, including its assets and liabilities.

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We can explain the differences between these options and advise on the legal documents required.

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Commercial Documents

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Depending on the transaction, we can prepare or review documents such as:

• Heads of Terms or Letters of Intent — setting out the main terms agreed in principle;

• Non-Disclosure Agreements — protecting confidential information shared during negotiations;

• Asset Purchase Agreements — recording the terms of an asset sale or purchase;

• Share Purchase Agreements — recording the terms of a share sale or purchase;

• Disclosure Letters — setting out disclosures against warranties in a purchase agreement; and

• Partnership Agreements — recording the rights and responsibilities of business partners.

 

Commercial Premises

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We can advise on commercial property matters connected with a business, including:

• new commercial leases;

• lease assignments;

• lease renewals;

• transfers of commercial property;

• repair obligations;

• service charge provisions;

• rent review clauses; and

• break clauses.

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Commercial leases often contain long-term obligations. We can explain the main terms and identify any provisions that may need to be negotiated.

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Employment and TUPE Issues

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Where a business or part of a business is transferred, employment obligations may also need to be considered. This may include whether the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, known as TUPE, apply.

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We can advise on employment issues arising from a business sale or purchase, including employee information, consultation requirements and the effect of TUPE on the transaction.

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Business Compliance and Advisory Support:

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We can also provide advisory support to business owners on employment and commercial issues affecting the operation of their business.

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This may include:

• reviewing business terms and commercial documents;

• advising on employment obligations;

• explaining changes in legislation that may affect the business;

• identifying documents or processes that may need updating; and

• providing written advice following a consultation, where agreed.

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Our Approach

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At the outset, we will:

• discuss the nature of the transaction or issue;

• identify the documents and information required;

• explain the legal process and likely timescales;

• advise on the main risks and practical steps;

• provide clear information about costs before work begins; and

• keep you updated as the matter progresses.

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Information about our fees is available on our Fees page.