FROM START-UP TO SELLING, CHOOSE A STRATEGIC PARTNER IN BUSINESS
Whether you are looking for savvy contracts to minimise your business risk, ways to expand and grow, or the time has come to sell or wind up your business, we can help.
Our business team are experts in commercial law, and know the fishhooks you need to look out for in your commercial contracts, or when eyeing up a new opportunity.
We’ll guide you through business growth and re-organisation, doing due diligence, sorting out ownership structures, branding and intellectual property, employment matters, deals between shareholders and partners, and much more.
We work for clients large and small in a variety of sectors.
Buying or selling a business
Buying or selling a business can be exciting, but it often comes with pressure and uncertainty. Our job is to keep a clear head and act in your best interests, making sure your due diligence is completed properly and your contract terms genuinely support your goals. We work closely with your accountant so your financial and tax arrangements are structured in a way that works for you.
Known for being thorough, practical and pragmatic, our lawyers assist with all aspects of the transaction, including preparing and reviewing sale and purchase agreements, advising on business structures and asset planning, carrying out due diligence, resolving issues with premises or equipment leases, reviewing supplier and employment arrangements, arranging financing, and addressing any Personal Property Security Act considerations.
Commercial and business contracts
Good commercial contracts are vital to running a successful business, and we help clients prepare and negotiate a wide range of agreements. By involving us early, you can be confident you’ve secured the best terms and chosen the right type of contract before issues arise.
Our team regularly assists with premises lease agreements and any required assignments or variations, equipment leasing arrangements, supply agreements, employment contracts and performance management processes, as well as financing documentation.
Doing business (terms of trade)
Every time your business buys or sells goods or services it is entering into a legal relationship with the other party. We advise our clients what consumer laws will and do apply if something goes wrong (e.g. the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act), and how to be proactive and protect your business during your dealings, for example creating and advising on when to rely on terms of trade or business terms and conditions.
Corporate governance
Corporate governance can be complex, and is an area of law that has changed significantly in the last few years. We advise clients on a wide range of corporate governance issues, from assisting with company formation, restructuring and Companies Act compliance to advising on best practice and risk management for Directors (including appointing and removing Directors). We also regularly advise on the sale and purchase of shares and Shareholder agreements.
Business growth & forward planning
You’re doing well and it’s time to scale up! Now what? We advise on licensing and franchising arrangements, capital raising structures and transactions, and supply agreements. We also help you to look ahead with corporate succession planning.
Financing arrangements
We advise both lenders and borrowers (including banks, finance companies and individuals) on a broad range of banking and financial services matters. Our work covers new lending and borrowing arrangements, refinancing existing facilities, and advising on finance for business or asset acquisitions.
We also guide clients through their obligations under the Personal Property Securities Act and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, including registering security interests correctly. With financial services compliance changing significantly in recent years and continuing to evolve, we help finance companies and other providers stay up to date and on the right side of the law.
Commercial property
Our business team also includes commercial property specialists who help clients proactively manage all aspects of their property portfolios. We advise on buying and selling commercial property, restructuring ownership arrangements, and negotiating or renewing leases.
Our team also assists with creating or amending Body Corporates, navigating Local Government requirements and consent processes, arranging refinancing, and handling subdivision projects. We regularly support clients with construction and building contracts as well, ensuring every stage of a property transaction or development is properly managed and legally sound.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property (IP) is a significant and valuable asset in any business, and we help clients protect it and maximise its value. Our support includes identifying and auditing your IP, safeguarding your brand, and managing the full Trade Mark application process with IPONZ. We prepare and negotiate licensing and franchising arrangements, manufacturing and supply agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements to protect confidential information and trade secrets. We also assist with structuring the ownership of IP and, when needed, work alongside specialist IP and Patent Attorneys to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Insolvency
When a business faces financial difficulty, timely advice and the right strategy are crucial for maximising returns to creditors or securing assets at a fair price. We work with companies undergoing restructuring, insolvency, or creditor claims, directors needing guidance on their duties during financial distress, creditors owed money by insolvent companies, specialist insolvency practitioners, and purchasers seeking to acquire business assets from liquidators or receivers.
Our team advises on a wide range of matters, including liquidation, receivership, administration, corporate restructuring, enforcing security, voluntary administration, statutory demands, creditor disputes and compromises, liquidators’ powers and duties, voidable transactions, and charges or transactions at undervalue.
We also provide guidance on directors’ duties and liabilities in insolvency situations, and support the sale and purchase of business assets from liquidators and receivers, ensuring all transactions are handled efficiently and within the law.
OUR TEAM
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