Buying and Selling a Business

Our aim during the process of buying or selling a business is to protect you. Buyers’ and sellers’ aims are very different, but as both parties wish for a smooth transaction, our extensive experience operating on both sides is hugely valuable.

Our involvement early on saves time and often money. We advise on terms and are very happy to be part of initial negotiations. More importantly, we’ll help identify the specific issues that should be taken into account when agreeing terms subject to contract.

Acting for buyers

The business or company you are planning to buy may have potential, but it could also have problems. Our aim is to protect you from known risks in the business and unearth those you may not be aware of. We’ll also work closely with your accountants who will advise on key aspects of the acquisition including tax and valuation.

We cover issues such as:

• Premises and lease terms
• Trading and financial position
• Third party rights over business assets
• Intellectual property
• Contracts and disputes
• Due diligence
• Acquisition agreements and warranties.

Acting for sellers

Our aim is to meet our clients’ primary objective – to achieve full sale price as quickly as possible with as little risk as possible.

We’ll make sure you have ample protection to deal with situations such as:

• A buyer wanting to pay in instalments
• A buyer making final payment after sale
• A buyer’s contract that includes warranties.

For further information or to make an appointment, please contact Tim Smith on 01273 384004 or by email.