Sale and Purchase of companies, businesses and their assets

We have a wealth of experience in acting for clients in business sales and purchases. If you are thinking of expanding your business by acquiring an existing one, or are thinking of setting up in business by making an acquisition, we can help.

When considering the transaction, you will need to speak to your professional advisers at the earliest opportunity. This will include your solicitor and your accountant as they have important roles to play. It will be necessary to decide whether the transaction is to be a sale of shares or of assets of the company. The choice depends on a number of factors, which will include the tax implications and consequences.  

As a purchaser, you will need to obtain as much information as possible about what is being purchased and carry out a thorough review of that – this is a process called “due diligence”. You will also need to confirm the funding arrangements for the acquisition as that will affect the timing of the transaction and the costs involved. We can provide full support and guidance from the initial stages and decision making process, through due diligence and contract negotiations, to the close of the acquisition and beyond.

If you are selling a business, you should enter into a confidentiality agreement with the prospective buyer to protect your interests until a binding agreement is reached. We can assist with the preparation of that agreement and with the sale process generally.

We will work closely with you and your other professional advisers to ensure that the transaction is completed economically and efficiently