Corporate and Commercial Law

Contracts form the foundation of most business relationships. A well-drafted agreement protects your interests, clearly defines each party's obligations, and provides a framework for resolving issues if they arise. Poorly drafted or ambiguous contracts can expose your business to unnecessary risk and costly disputes.

We assist with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts. This includes supply agreements, service contracts, distribution arrangements, licensing agreements, confidentiality agreements, and terms and conditions for your products or services.

Our review process examines key terms including payment obligations, liability provisions, termination rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms. We identify potential risks and suggest amendments that better protect your position. For negotiations, we can work directly with the other party's representatives or provide you with guidance to conduct discussions yourself.

If you are entering into a significant commercial arrangement, having proper documentation in place from the start helps avoid misunderstandings and provides a clear reference point if questions arise later. We also assist with property and lease agreements where these form part of your commercial operations.

Choosing the right business structure affects your personal liability, tax obligations, and operational flexibility. The structure that suits a small startup may not be appropriate as your business grows, and what works for one industry may not suit another.

We advise on the legal implications of different business structures, including sole trader arrangements, partnerships, companies, trusts, and combinations of these. Our advice considers factors such as asset protection, succession planning, regulatory requirements, and the practical needs of your business operations.

For new businesses, we assist with company registration, preparing shareholder agreements, and establishing governance frameworks. For existing businesses, we can review your current structure and advise on whether changes might better serve your objectives as circumstances evolve.

Shareholder and partnership agreements are particularly important where multiple parties are involved in a business. These documents address matters such as profit distribution, decision-making processes, dispute resolution, and exit arrangements. Having clear agreements in place helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a roadmap for handling difficult situations. We can also coordinate with your accountant to ensure legal and tax considerations are aligned, and assist with estate planning matters where business succession is a concern.

Buying or selling a business involves significant legal complexity. These transactions require careful attention to due diligence, contract terms, regulatory compliance, and the practical steps needed to transfer ownership and operations smoothly.

We assist clients on both sides of business transactions, whether you are acquiring a business, selling one you have built, or restructuring ownership arrangements. Our role includes conducting or coordinating due diligence investigations, drafting and negotiating sale agreements, and managing the settlement process.

Due diligence is a critical phase in any transaction. We help you understand the legal risks associated with a target business, including contractual obligations, employment arrangements, intellectual property ownership, regulatory compliance, and potential liabilities. This information allows you to make an informed decision and negotiate appropriate protections.

For sellers, we focus on presenting your business in a way that supports a smooth transaction while protecting your interests during the transition period and beyond. This includes addressing matters such as restraint of trade provisions, warranty claims, and post-completion obligations.

We also assist with joint ventures, franchising arrangements, and other forms of business collaboration where parties are coming together for a shared commercial purpose.