Understanding Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses
Confidentiality clauses and non-compete clauses (or restrictive covenants) are tools used by buyers to protect valuable parts of the business they are acquiring. These clauses are inserted into share and asset purchase agreements to control the flow of sensitive confidential information and restrict what sellers can do when they move on from the business, post-completion. […]
The Role of Due Diligence in M&A for Brokers, Buyers and Sellers
What is Due Diligence in the Context of Buying or Selling a Business? In short, it’s a comprehensive information gathering exercise. In a similar vein to buying a house, the purchaser wants to find out everything they can about the target to check that there are no hidden surprises, and that the target is worth […]
Pre-sale checklist for your business
1. Property If you are selling your shares in a company and the company is leasing premises, you first need to ensure that the lease is in the name of the company. Buyers will want a good understanding of the premises from which the business operates and the terms of its occupation. You should therefore review […]
Post-Purchase Integration: The Legal Requirements
Once your business acquisition is complete, it’s time to start thinking about the post-merger integration. What is the post M&A integration process? Well in simple terms, it’s ironing out the practical and legal details involved in bringing two businesses together. As part of the completion and post-completion matters, your solicitors will wrap up the necessary […]
Shareholders’ Agreements: Uses and Benefits
Ever wondered how businesses manage to make decisions smoothly when everyone seems to have a different opinion? Enter the shareholders’ agreement: the behind-the-scenes document that keeps everyone in line and the business running smoothly. Why are Shareholders’ Agreements Needed? Running a business without a shareholders’ agreement is like setting out on a long drive without […]
What is Legal Document Automation and How Does it Work?
In any business sale, you need a significant amount of documentation to protect your interests and legally transfer the ownership of the business. Drafting all the documents you need can become costly and time-consuming, especially if your solicitor is drafting each of those documents from scratch. But with legal document automation, you can expedite some […]
Understanding Heads of Terms
What are Heads of Terms? Heads of terms, also known as letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, or term sheets, summarise the key points of a deal before the final contract has been signed. Drafted during the early negotiation phase, heads of terms outline the key terms and conditions agreed upon by all parties involved. […]
7 Steps to Increase the Value of Your Business Before Sale
Boosting the value of your business before selling is a crucial strategy for any business owner. Enhancements, both big and small, can significantly impact the valuation. How to Add Value to Your Business 1. Upgrade physical assets Upgrading equipment, facilities, and technology not only boosts operational efficiency but also enhances aesthetic appeal, which is important in […]
Share Purchase Agreements
Buying shares in a company? Selling part of your business? That’s where a share purchase agreement (SPA) comes into play. Why are Share Purchase Agreements Needed? Think of an SPA as an instruction manual. Just as you wouldn’t want to start assembling something without knowing all the steps, details, and potential hiccups, you wouldn’t want […]
Commercial Property Law: Purchasing, Selling and Leasing
Finding new premises for your business is an exciting time for any business. Once you’ve found the property you want, what’s involved in the legal process of commercial conveyancing? Buying and Selling Commercial Property: The Process The process for buying and selling commercial property has similar steps to a residential conveyancing process, but there are […]