Contracts and company matters
Our work includes commercial contracts, shareholder agreements and questions about directors’ duties. An enquiry may arise when a business is entering an arrangement, reviewing existing documents or dealing with a disagreement.
Tell us the purpose of the transaction, who is involved and what has already been signed or discussed. Highlight any proposed signing date or deadline before sending documents.
Governance in family businesses
Family relationships and business roles often overlap. Questions can arise about who owns shares, who makes decisions, who works in the business and how a family member may leave or take over.
We can discuss how these expectations should be addressed in the relevant arrangements. Matters to examine may include decision-making, management responsibilities, transfers of ownership and procedures for disagreements.
Where a family brand or succession plan is involved, the commercial work may connect with intellectual property and estate planning.
Starting the discussion
Prepare a brief description of the business structure, the parties and the decision you need to make. Identify existing agreements and any differences between the documents and current practice.
We check conflicts before reviewing confidential material and agreeing the scope of work. Sending an enquiry does not create a solicitor–client relationship; do not send confidential documents until we confirm we can act.
Our business articles are general information, not legal advice.