Is there a difference between commercial and corporate law?
Yes. We use the name “business law” to cover both, but commercial law and corporate law are actually two different practice areas.
Corporate law focuses primarily on the structure of a business (for example, incorporating a business or changing a share structure).
Commercial law focuses on the operations of a business (for example, signing a lease or a commercial loan).
Our team can advise you in both of these practice areas.
How big does my business need to be before I need a lawyer?
The size of your business does not matter. If you own a business and are entering into any kind of transaction or agreement, contact a business lawyer to see how they can help you.
We can advise you on buying property, changing your business structure, setting up a partnership, or any other change in your business.
Our clients own all different types of businesses:
- Sole proprietorships
- Family businmesses
- Partnerships & joint ventures
- Corporations
Why do I need a lawyer for my business?
You know your business and your industry, but we know the legal framework you operate in. We can tell you about the legal benefits and risks inherent in your industry, as well as advise you on the legal structure best suited to you.
You also know where you want your business to go. We can tell you if it is possible and how it is possible before helping you get there. We will navigate the legal aspects so that you do not have to worry.
What is a shareholder or partnership agreement? And why do I need one?
A shareholder or partnership agreement prepares you and your business for the unexpected.
These agreements are written down rules that reflect the way in which you and your business partners make decisions, and they provide you with a procedure for how to handle things if you run into the unexpected. They can be long or short, and they can detail what needs to be done in situations such as
- a disagreement between partners
- a partner or shareholder who wants to leave the business an unexpected death
- new partners or shareholders joining the business
Protect your business, your partnership, and yourself by establishing the rules when times are good so that you are prepared for when times are bad.
What is private equity?
Private equity refers to raising money for your business from private investors, close friends, family, and close business associates. You could do this by selling them shares, interests in property, or units in a partnership.
Public equity, on the other hand, refers to raising money by selling stock or bonds on the stock market.
What does capital restructuring mean?
Capital restructuring typically refers to changing
- the types of shares you currently have for your business,
- the rights of particular share classes, or
- the ownership of one or more companies or assets.
Capital restructuring is often used for tax planning or estate planning purposes. You could use it to divide the control or the value of your business among family members or other shareholders, establish and freeze a capital gains tax liability, or change the control and ownership of a company or group of companies.
To get the best results for you and your business, we will work directly with your accountant or other tax adviser.
