Business Matters
Corporate & Business:
Agreements & Documents

Contracts, agreements and documents for shareholders, partnerships, franchises, franchisees, agencies, distributors, produce and service providers. Shaping and documenting the contract.

Across the world, businesses make and break contracts all the time.

Businesses should have their contractual arrangements supported by a written agreement. The key reasons are:

• the law requires a signed document for the validity of the transaction (e.g. the sale and transfer of land, a guarantee, hire purchase and equipment leases with consumers and the assignment of copyright, patents and the like);
• the law requires the terms of the arrangement be recorded in writing (e.g. some European agency contracts and standard terms of employment documents);
• there is a lot at stake, either in monetary terms or in the strategic importance of the arrangement;
• clarity over the applicable terms in order to avoid disputes later (e.g. standard terms and conditions of trade - either for ordinary use or for sales on the Internet).
• intellectual property rights may otherwise be adversely affected.

In making a contract, no business should fail to consider its activities in the context of competition law.

At times it would help to have an in-house legal team working to look after your interests. But if you would prefer not to have the overhead of the team all the time, then instruct our team as and when you need it.

The growth of our commercial practice has enabled us to give our clients access to those with relevant experience to form a highly effective team dedicated to getting the best deal.

This allows us not only to act to record a contract but to be involved in the planning and negotiation of the transaction so that opportunities to avoid pitfalls and to add value can be created and acted on.

FAQs - please see our Terms

1. What would be your approach to dealing with my proposed transaction?

To meet with you so that both you and we can gain an understanding of:

• where the real issues and value are likely to lie;
• the kind of approach that would best suit;
• the make-up of the best team of internal and external professionals;
• who will be responsible for project management;
• assess your expected sources of funding for the products/services; and
• the timescales and professional costs involved.

2. I am not sure at what stage and how best to use a solicitor to work on my contract?

Broadly, the ways in which we are brought in include:

1. reviewing and providing either a verbal and/or written report on issues arising, or
2. gathering the initial elements of the contract, either informally or by heads of agreement / letter of intent

Leading on to:

1. preparation or review and amendment of the draft documentation;
2. negotiation of the documentation to bring the contract to a conclusion;
3. handling the completion and elements of after-care.

We are particularly in tune with the wants and needs of owner-managed businesses and will tailor what we do to your requirements.