Business Sale or Purchase

Buying or selling a business is about far more than just the transaction. Potential buyers need to fully understand the commercial viability of the new business, while sellers need to be able to provide access and understanding around all the key assets. Both parties also need to be able to execute the process legally, while ensuring they cover all their ongoing liabilities.

As experienced business sale lawyers and business purchase lawyers, we’re here to streamline the business sale process as much as possible – whether you’re the potential buyer or the seller of a business.

We can advise you on the best course of action, and take you through all the steps of the business purchase agreement, contract for sale of business or share sale agreement until completion of the transaction.

Our aim is to provide you with value-for-money legal services. That means you can finalise the sale quickly and efficiently and get on to your next venture.

OUR SERVICES

As expert business sale lawyers, we assist with:

  • Legal advice on all aspects of selling a business. This includes the transfer of existing retail tenancy leases and the transfer of employees as part of the sale of business agreement.
  • Preparing, negotiating and finalising the contract for sale of business or business purchase agreement.
  • Drafting vendor finance clauses for inclusion in an ECOS Contract for Sale of Business NSW.
  • Protecting the confidential information you share with others when selling a business by supplying you with a customised non-disclosure agreement or confidentiality agreement.
  • Preparing documents to transfer ownership of your intellectual property, such as an intellectual property assignment deed or an intellectual property licence agreement.
  • Preparing the contract agreement for the assignment of an existing franchise agreement.
  • Negotiating with the buyer on your behalf.

As expert business buyer lawyers, we can assist with:

  • Legal advice on all aspects of buying a business. This includes the transfer of an existing retail tenancy lease or commercial lease.
  • The due diligence process before you commit to purchasing a new or existing business.
  • Reviewing and updating any proposed business purchase agreement or contract for sale of business or any special conditions offered by the seller.
  • Reviewing vendor finance clauses proposed by the seller in the business sale agreement for a purchaser with no money upfront or part-financed by the seller.
  • Drafting a share purchase agreement or share sale agreement for the purchase of a private company. We can also recommend updates to agreements proposed by another party.
  • Legal advice on structuring your new business or new venture to manage legal risk.
  • Preparing or reviewing partnership agreements or shareholders agreements, or customising a contract provided by someone else to suit your circumstances.
  • If you’re borrowing money to finance a new business or venture, preparing or reviewing any secured loan agreement proposed by the seller.
  • Negotiating with the seller on your behalf.

As expert franchise business sale lawyers, we can assist with:

  • Legal advice on all aspects of a franchise sale by an existing franchisee.
  • Preparing a franchisee sale agreement for a franchisee to sell their rights under an existing franchise agreement.
  • Negotiating legal terms and conditions of agreements on your behalf.

As expert franchise business buyer lawyers, we can assist with:

  • Legal advice on all aspects of the purchase of a franchise, either from an existing franchisee or directly from a franchisor.
  • The due diligence process before you commit to signing a business purchase agreement. This includes reviewing and advising on the legal terms of the proposed franchise agreement.
  • Reviewing and updating a proposed franchise purchase agreement and negotiating on your behalf with the seller’s solicitor.
  • Preparing, reviewing or updating a partnership agreement or shareholders agreement.

Streamline your business transaction with Stevensen Business Lawyers

Buying or selling a business can be easier, more streamlined and more quickly accomplished with the right business lawyers in your corner. Stevensen Business Lawyers are the expert business lawyers you need to get the outcomes you’re looking for.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Do I need a lawyer to buy a business?

Yes! Buying a business could be one of the biggest financial commitments you make in your life. And there are many pitfalls and risks that could arise if you aren’t given proper legal guidance. Business buyer lawyers can help you through the entire purchase process, including due diligence and working through the terms of your contract.

We’ll ensure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and ensure that the contract will help you achieve your business objectives.

Yes! It’s important that when selling your business you’re achieving the right sale price, while minimising your risks in the process. A business sale lawyer can help you do that while guiding you through the identification of all your physical assets, business records, licences, IP and more, helping you properly disclose all relevant items to the other party and assisting you to prepare the documentation for sale.

If you’re deciding whether to buy a business or franchise, we recommend you first get advice from an accountant. They can advise on whether it is a worthwhile business for you to invest your time and money. If you don’t already have an accountant, we can refer you to one.

Once your accountant confirms the business’ financial viability, you’ll decide whether you want to proceed with the purchase. If you do, the seller’s solicitor will prepare a draft contract for your review.

At that time, you will be asked to supply the contact details of your business lawyer. Once we receive the draft contract, we can provide you with our cost estimate, including a fixed-price component for the review of the contract.