When running a business, the legal side of things can quickly get complicated. Whether you’re buying another company, bringing on new shareholders, or restructuring the way your business is set up, having the right corporate lawyers in your corner makes all the difference.
At Farleys, our business solicitors work with everything from owner-managed businesses and start-ups to established SMEs and larger organisations. We cut through the legal jargon and give you clear, straightforward advice so you can make the right decisions for your business and get on with running it.
Talk to our corporate lawyers today. Call us on 01254 606 008 or fill in our online enquiry form for expert legal advice about your business.
Our corporate lawyers handle a wide range of company law matters, so whatever stage your business is at, we can help.
Mergers and acquisitions – Buying or selling a business is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. We’ll guide you through every step, from heads of terms and due diligence right through to completion, making sure your interests are properly protected and there are no nasty surprises along the way.
Management buy-outs and buy-ins – Whether you’re buying out the existing owners or bringing in new management, we’ll structure the deal to work in your favour, dealing with the financing arrangements, shareholder agreements and everything in between.
Shareholder agreements – A good shareholder agreement heads off disputes before they start. We’ll help you put something in place that sets out clearly how decisions get made, what happens if a shareholder wants to leave, and how any disagreements will be handled.
Company formations and restructuring – Starting a new company, creating a holding structure, or reorganising an existing group? We’ll make sure it’s set up the right way from the start, and that any changes you make are done properly.
Joint ventures – Working with another business? We’ll put together a joint venture agreement that protects your position and sets out exactly how the arrangement will work, so both sides know where they stand.
Corporate governance – We advise on articles of association, board decision-making, statutory compliance and day-to-day company secretarial matters, keeping your corporate housekeeping in good order.
Banking and corporate finance – From negotiating loan agreements and security documentation to advising on investment rounds and refinancing, our business solicitors work closely with lenders and investors to get you the right outcome.
Business succession planning – Thinking about how to pass the business on, or planning your exit? We’ll help you structure things in a way that works for you, your family and your business.
We like to keep things simple. Here’s what to expect when you work with our corporate team:
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the matter. A straightforward company formation can be done in a matter of days, while a larger acquisition might take several months. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the start so you can plan accordingly.
We know business, not just law— Our corporate lawyers are commercial people as well as legal experts. We understand the pressures of running a business, and we give you advice that’s practical and to the point, not buried in legalese.
Experienced team with a strong track record — Our corporate team has advised on transactions and corporate matters across a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing and retail to professional services and tech. We’ve helped businesses of all sizes navigate complex deals and come out the other side in a stronger position.
Recognised for our expertise — We’re recognised in the Legal 500 for our corporate and commercial work, our team has the credentials to back up everything we do. But don’t just take the directories’ word for it, take a look at what our clients say.
Flexible fee arrangements — We offer a range of fee options depending on the nature of your matter, and we’ll always be upfront about costs so there are no surprises on your bill.
Approachable and easy to reach — We have offices across the North West and we’re always available by phone or video if you can’t make it in. You’ll deal with a dedicated solicitor looking after you from start to finish.
Ready to talk? Call our corporate lawyers on 01254 606 008 or fill in our online enquiry form to arrange a no-obligation chat.
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What's the difference between a corporate lawyer and a commercial lawyer?
Corporate lawyers typically deal with the structure of a business itself, such as share transactions, mergers, acquisitions and company formation. Commercial lawyers tend to focus on the contracts a business enters into day-to-day, like supplier agreements, terms and conditions and licensing deals. In practice, there’s often overlap, and our team handles both.
How much does it cost to use a corporate solicitor?
Costs vary depending on the complexity and nature of the work. For straightforward matters like a company formation or a simple shareholder agreement, we can often offer a fixed fee. For more complex transactions, we’ll give you a clear estimate at the outset. We’ll never surprise you with unexpected charges.
Do I need a solicitor to buy or sell a business?
Technically no, but it’s strongly advisable. Business sale and purchase transactions involve due diligence, warranties, indemnities and complex documentation that can have significant financial implications if they’re not handled correctly. Having an experienced corporate lawyer on your side protects your position and significantly reduces the risk of problems arising later.
How long does a business acquisition take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the deal. A straightforward acquisition of a small business might complete in 6–10 weeks. Larger or more complex transactions can take several months, particularly where there are regulatory approvals involved or complex due diligence required. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe early on.
What is a shareholder agreement and do I need one?
A shareholder agreement sets out the rights and obligations of the shareholders in a company on how decisions are made, what happens if someone wants to sell their shares, and how disputes are resolved. It sits alongside the company’s articles of association. If you have more than one shareholder, we’d strongly recommend having one. It’s a lot easier to agree on the rules when things are going well than to try and sort things out when a dispute arises.
What does due diligence involve?
Due diligence is the process of investigating a business before you buy it, to check there are no hidden problems. It typically covers the company’s financial position, contracts, employees, property, intellectual property, litigation history and regulatory compliance. Our corporate lawyers will manage this process for you, flagging anything that needs to be addressed or reflected in the deal terms.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Yes. Whether you’re thinking about passing the business to family members, selling to a management team, or planning a trade sale in the future, we can help you structure things in a tax-efficient and commercially sensible way. It’s never too early to start thinking about this.
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