Successful business leaders thrive on the highs of their commercial and personal successes and know to seek the support of trusted advisers when navigating more difficult times.
Businesses that are growing, in particular, may be more susceptible to commercial challenges, be they complications around funding, governance, supply chain or other aspects of the day-to-day running of the business. However, as a valuable and crucial part of the economy, they are also more adaptable and responsive to change. They have the ability to see opportunity and move quickly to capitalise upon it. To move your organisation forward, you should be working alongside a team with an in-depth awareness of your overarching commercial strategy and the expertise to provide you with innovative, proactive guidance.
Our corporate lawyers advise established UK and international businesses, their senior management and investors through expansion to exit. Getting to know you as the client is crucial to the work we do. We take a big-picture approach, understanding your commercial interests far wider than the instruction itself so we can provide you with uniquely tailored advice. We embed ourselves seamlessly into your team, creating a strong and enduring business partnership.
With our clear understanding of your long-term strategy and objectives, we can work with you closely throughout the life cycle of your business, planning and supporting growth from inception, through domestic or international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, right through to exit. We advise ambitious individuals and businesses and pride ourselves on constantly striving to find new and creative strategies to help our clients achieve the best possible results.
Business owners have the additional challenge of balancing the requirements of the business with their personal and family priorities, and it can be difficult not to let one impact the other. It is possible for relationship breakdowns and family conflicts to affect your business, if not managed properly. When you are faced with difficult personal situations, we draw on the expertise of our Private Wealth colleagues to help ensure both your business and personal life move forward in the right direction.
In recent years, demonstrating a commitment to Environmental and Social Governance (“ESG”) has become central to the ability of companies to maintain customer engagement and potentially attract investment. However, due to the lack of consensus regarding ESG, many companies have been accused of greenwashing or paying lip service to this area. One increasingly popular method of demonstrating substantive ESG credentials is for companies to become B Corp certified, enabling them to place the B Corp logo on their marketing materials and products. With over 6,000 B Corps worldwide, including household names such as Patagonia and Ben and Jerrys, the B Corp symbol is quickly becoming a powerful signifier that a business is committed to ESG.
B Corp Certification is undertaken by the not-for-profit organisation B Lab, which was formed in 2006 with the purpose of designing standards and programs to shift the focus of companies towards addressing the fundamental challenges of the modern world. For that purpose, B Lab has developed the B lab impact assessment, a point based holistic review of a company’s environmental and social impact. To achieve certification as a B Corp a company must achieve the high minimum score of 80 in the impact assessment, displaying a commitment to ESG. In addition to satisfying the impact assessment, a key foundation of B Corp certification is for a company to implement stakeholder governance. This requires a company to enable its’ directors to consider wider interests beyond profit, such as those of employees and the environment, when pursuing the development of their business. As such, an important part of the application will be enshrining key ESG principles into the applicant company’s constitution.
The route to certification is increasingly strenuous depending on the size of the applying company, in order to recognise the outsized impact some multinational companies can have in contribution to ESG. All companies must obtain at least 80 points on the B Lab impact assessment and complete a confidential disclosure questionnaire declaring any potentially sensitive practices, fines or sanctions which may require remediation to achieve certification. Following this, a company must commit to amending their articles of association to give effect to stakeholder governance. Certification can take from just a few months to several years depending on whether a company wishes to maximise its score in the impact assessment.
Having done so before, should your company be considering starting the process of applying for B Corp certification, Collyer Bristow are well placed to assist with making the requisite constitutional changes required to achieve your aim.
Acquiring or selling a business can be a great way for organisations to grow and transform, but it can also be complex and risky. There are many legal, financial and operational factors to consider which are not always obvious.
Traditionally, corporate governance has been the preserve of listed companies. For many years now, all listed public companies in the UK have been asked to ‘comply or explain’ – either follow the UK Corporate Governance Code or explain why they do not.
Whether you need assistance with seed and early-stage funding or mature market raises to fund management buyouts, growth or development capital, our Corporate team has the experience to support you. We act for both investors and those seeking investment on deals that range from the simple to the extremely complex. We offer guidance across the spectrum of investment strategies, from the establishment of a fund to the creation of a clear exit strategy, whether that’s by sale, recapitalisation or IPO.
The private equity and venture capital transactions we advise on are diverse in nature and our team has worked on a range of complex and high-value deals worldwide. We can help you with:
We represent a broad client base across the UK, including private equity houses, management teams, portfolio companies, venture capital firms, fund managers, entrepreneurs and financial institutions. We’ve seen deals from both sides of the fence, and are used to managing the sometimes competing desires of companies to retain autonomy with the need for investors to be able to exercise a degree of control and influence over material decisions affecting the business.No matter how new or established your business is, our Private Equity and Venture Capital expertise, together with our wider group of specialist lawyers in our tax, M&A, pensions, intellectual property and real estate teams are on hand to provide a one-stop-shop for PE/VC backed transactions.
All businesses need adequate funding in order to operate and grow. We work for both commercial lenders and borrowers on a range of funding transactions, both domestic and cross-border.
Working closely with you and your tax advisers and legal advisers in other jurisdictions as appropriate, we develop and implement the optimum corporate group structure for your business, to align legal and operational requirements. This work includes simplification and/or divisionalisation of businesses and legal structures, to achieve effective and efficient use of resources and to integrate acquisitions.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below
Corporate Law key contacts
jeff.roberts@collyerbristow.comPartner
Talk to Jeff about Corporate, Commercial, Commercial disputes, Corporate recovery, restructuring & insolvency, Personal insolvency and Private equity
An overview of the expertise of our Corporate lawyers in relation to mergers and acquisitions, where we act for experienced private equity-backed buyers as well more novice sellers who need careful guidance through this potentially daunting legal maze.
There are a number of key policies, procedures and documents your business should keep up to date, to be both legally protected and in preparation for investment or exit.
Collyer Bristow’s ‘CB Checkpoint’ team will give your business a full check-over, reviewing your key documentation and advising on any changes that are suggested or required.
The UK is one of the most straightforward countries in which to do business. However, it does have its own distinct business practices. This guide covers the key things you need to know to avoid potential pitfalls and get the most out of your investment.
We support ambitious, business owners and investors in operating and scaling enterprises through to exit.
Our guide, A Question of Capacity, outlines key points for consideration to ensure you, as a business owner, can put your business in the best position possible in the event of your incapacity.
Each stage of a business has its own challenges and opportunities. Our corporate lawyers specialise in advising established businesses through to exit.
View DetailsRecent experience
We acted for the buyer of Manor Renewable Energy Limited (MRE). MRE is a cutting edge company specialising in temporary engineering solutions for the offshore industry. The deal was backed by a consortium of domestic and international private equity, and we advised the buyer on all aspects of the transaction; from initial due diligence to a successful and smooth completion where all parties walked away satisfied with the outcome.
Case study
We acted for the buyer of Manor Renewable Energy Limited (MRE). MRE is a cutting edge company specialising in temporary engineering solutions for the offshore industry. The deal was backed by a consortium of domestic and international private equity, and we advised the buyer on all aspects of the transaction; from initial due diligence to a successful and smooth completion where all parties walked away satisfied with the outcome.
We acted in the sale of a company which owned a substantial property in the South of England, to an investment management company. The deal included the signing of a development partnership agreement between the buyer and a leading construction company to develop the property.
Case study
We acted in the sale of a company which owned a substantial property in the South of England, to an investment management company. The deal included the signing of a development partnership agreement between the buyer and a leading construction company to develop the property.
We acted in the sale of a large independent DIY and decorating retail businesses, with multiple branches, to a large international builders merchants business. As well as handling the sale, the process also included a large property aspect and employment law advice, due to the retail nature of the business.
Case study
We acted in the sale of a large independent DIY and decorating retail businesses, with multiple branches, to a large international builders merchants business. As well as handling the sale, the process also included a large property aspect and employment law advice, due to the retail nature of the business.
We acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire issued share capital of a successful international on-line translation company, with a Far-Eastern subsidiary, to one of the largest UK-based e-commerce organisations.
Nigel BrahamsPartner - Head of Financial Services
Case study
We acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire issued share capital of a successful international on-line translation company, with a Far-Eastern subsidiary, to one of the largest UK-based e-commerce organisations.
We acted for the buyer in a deal for the acquisition of an innovative online fashion company. Our advice included the SPA and due diligence, as well property, employment, IP and IT aspects. This was a very complex matter due to the number of selling shareholders involved.
Case study
We acted for the buyer in a deal for the acquisition of an innovative online fashion company. Our advice included the SPA and due diligence, as well property, employment, IP and IT aspects. This was a very complex matter due to the number of selling shareholders involved.
We advised one the UK’s leading suppliers of film and TV post production services in its acquisition of another post production facility in London. The deal included property and employment aspects, as well as arranging the funding.
Case study
We advised one the UK’s leading suppliers of film and TV post production services in its acquisition of another post production facility in London. The deal included property and employment aspects, as well as arranging the funding.
We acted for a company backed by private equity (including Jon Moulton) in its purchase of He-Man Dual Controls - a leading manufacturer of dual-control systems for cars. In addition to the acquisition we also advised on the equity financing of the Special Purpose Vehicle (buying company), and the debt financing of the deal.
CORPORATE & MANUFACTURING & PRIVATE EQUITY
Case study
We acted for a company backed by private equity (including Jon Moulton) in its purchase of He-Man Dual Controls - a leading manufacturer of dual-control systems for cars. In addition to the acquisition we also advised on the equity financing of the Special Purpose Vehicle (buying company), and the debt financing of the deal.
Related content
Being responsible for the running and growth of an established business can be extremely rewarding and exciting, requiring commitment, passion and drive.
Successful business leaders thrive on the highs of their commercial and personal successes and know to seek the support of trusted advisers when navigating more difficult times.
Businesses that are growing, in particular, may be more susceptible to commercial challenges, be they complications around funding, governance, supply chain or other aspects of the day-to-day running of the business. However, as a valuable and crucial part of the economy, they are also more adaptable and responsive to change. They have the ability to see opportunity and move quickly to capitalise upon it. To move your organisation forward, you should be working alongside a team with an in-depth awareness of your overarching commercial strategy and the expertise to provide you with innovative, proactive guidance.
Our corporate lawyers advise established UK and international businesses, their senior management and investors through expansion to exit. Getting to know you as the client is crucial to the work we do. We take a big-picture approach, understanding your commercial interests far wider than the instruction itself so we can provide you with uniquely tailored advice. We embed ourselves seamlessly into your team, creating a strong and enduring business partnership.
With our clear understanding of your long-term strategy and objectives, we can work with you closely throughout the life cycle of your business, planning and supporting growth from inception, through domestic or international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, right through to exit. We advise ambitious individuals and businesses and pride ourselves on constantly striving to find new and creative strategies to help our clients achieve the best possible results.
Business owners have the additional challenge of balancing the requirements of the business with their personal and family priorities, and it can be difficult not to let one impact the other. It is possible for relationship breakdowns and family conflicts to affect your business, if not managed properly. When you are faced with difficult personal situations, we draw on the expertise of our Private Wealth colleagues to help ensure both your business and personal life move forward in the right direction.
Want to connect? Select someone below to view their profile.
Partner
In recent years, demonstrating a commitment to Environmental and Social Governance (“ESG”) has become central to the ability of companies to maintain customer engagement and potentially attract investment. However, due to the lack of consensus regarding ESG, many companies have been accused of greenwashing or paying lip service to this area. One increasingly popular method of demonstrating substantive ESG credentials is for companies to become B Corp certified, enabling them to place the B Corp logo on their marketing materials and products. With over 6,000 B Corps worldwide, including household names such as Patagonia and Ben and Jerrys, the B Corp symbol is quickly becoming a powerful signifier that a business is committed to ESG.
B Corp Certification is undertaken by the not-for-profit organisation B Lab, which was formed in 2006 with the purpose of designing standards and programs to shift the focus of companies towards addressing the fundamental challenges of the modern world. For that purpose, B Lab has developed the B lab impact assessment, a point based holistic review of a company’s environmental and social impact. To achieve certification as a B Corp a company must achieve the high minimum score of 80 in the impact assessment, displaying a commitment to ESG. In addition to satisfying the impact assessment, a key foundation of B Corp certification is for a company to implement stakeholder governance. This requires a company to enable its’ directors to consider wider interests beyond profit, such as those of employees and the environment, when pursuing the development of their business. As such, an important part of the application will be enshrining key ESG principles into the applicant company’s constitution.
The route to certification is increasingly strenuous depending on the size of the applying company, in order to recognise the outsized impact some multinational companies can have in contribution to ESG. All companies must obtain at least 80 points on the B Lab impact assessment and complete a confidential disclosure questionnaire declaring any potentially sensitive practices, fines or sanctions which may require remediation to achieve certification. Following this, a company must commit to amending their articles of association to give effect to stakeholder governance. Certification can take from just a few months to several years depending on whether a company wishes to maximise its score in the impact assessment.
Having done so before, should your company be considering starting the process of applying for B Corp certification, Collyer Bristow are well placed to assist with making the requisite constitutional changes required to achieve your aim.
Acquiring or selling a business can be a great way for organisations to grow and transform, but it can also be complex and risky. There are many legal, financial and operational factors to consider which are not always obvious.
Traditionally, corporate governance has been the preserve of listed companies. For many years now, all listed public companies in the UK have been asked to ‘comply or explain’ – either follow the UK Corporate Governance Code or explain why they do not.
Whether you need assistance with seed and early-stage funding or mature market raises to fund management buyouts, growth or development capital, our Corporate team has the experience to support you. We act for both investors and those seeking investment on deals that range from the simple to the extremely complex. We offer guidance across the spectrum of investment strategies, from the establishment of a fund to the creation of a clear exit strategy, whether that’s by sale, recapitalisation or IPO.
The private equity and venture capital transactions we advise on are diverse in nature and our team has worked on a range of complex and high-value deals worldwide. We can help you with:
We represent a broad client base across the UK, including private equity houses, management teams, portfolio companies, venture capital firms, fund managers, entrepreneurs and financial institutions. We’ve seen deals from both sides of the fence, and are used to managing the sometimes competing desires of companies to retain autonomy with the need for investors to be able to exercise a degree of control and influence over material decisions affecting the business.No matter how new or established your business is, our Private Equity and Venture Capital expertise, together with our wider group of specialist lawyers in our tax, M&A, pensions, intellectual property and real estate teams are on hand to provide a one-stop-shop for PE/VC backed transactions.
All businesses need adequate funding in order to operate and grow. We work for both commercial lenders and borrowers on a range of funding transactions, both domestic and cross-border.
Working closely with you and your tax advisers and legal advisers in other jurisdictions as appropriate, we develop and implement the optimum corporate group structure for your business, to align legal and operational requirements. This work includes simplification and/or divisionalisation of businesses and legal structures, to achieve effective and efficient use of resources and to integrate acquisitions.
Recent experience
Case study
We acted for the buyer of Manor Renewable Energy Limited (MRE). MRE is a cutting edge company specialising in temporary engineering solutions for the offshore industry. The deal was backed by a consortium of domestic and international private equity, and we advised the buyer on all aspects of the transaction; from initial due diligence to a successful and smooth completion where all parties walked away satisfied with the outcome.
Case study
We acted in the sale of a company which owned a substantial property in the South of England, to an investment management company. The deal included the signing of a development partnership agreement between the buyer and a leading construction company to develop the property.
Case study
We acted in the sale of a large independent DIY and decorating retail businesses, with multiple branches, to a large international builders merchants business. As well as handling the sale, the process also included a large property aspect and employment law advice, due to the retail nature of the business.
Case study
We acted for the sellers in the sale of the entire issued share capital of a successful international on-line translation company, with a Far-Eastern subsidiary, to one of the largest UK-based e-commerce organisations.
Case study
We acted for the buyer in a deal for the acquisition of an innovative online fashion company. Our advice included the SPA and due diligence, as well property, employment, IP and IT aspects. This was a very complex matter due to the number of selling shareholders involved.
Case study
We advised one the UK’s leading suppliers of film and TV post production services in its acquisition of another post production facility in London. The deal included property and employment aspects, as well as arranging the funding.
Case study
We acted for a company backed by private equity (including Jon Moulton) in its purchase of He-Man Dual Controls - a leading manufacturer of dual-control systems for cars. In addition to the acquisition we also advised on the equity financing of the Special Purpose Vehicle (buying company), and the debt financing of the deal.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.
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