Corporate Law

Corporate Lawyers London

Being responsible for the running and growth of an established business can be extremely rewarding and exciting, requiring commitment, passion and drive.

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Taking a big-picture approach

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.

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Services

We support our clients with individually tailored legal advice, in areas such as:

Click an area of focus above for more information.

Make an enquiry ESG

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.

Make an enquiryClose more information
 

Make an enquiry Mergers & Acquisitions

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.

Find out more

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Make an enquiry Corporate Governance

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.

Find out more

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Make an enquiry Private Equity & Venture Capital

Whether you need assistance with growth or development capital or mature market raises our team has the experience to support you.

Find out more private equity law

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Make an enquiry Funding & Finance

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.

Find out more

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Make an enquiry Group Structures

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.

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    Corporate Law key contacts

    Latest content and downloads

    Check out our latest content and downloads View all our downloads

    Mergers & acquisitions: An overview of our expertise

    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.

    Optimising your key business documentation, policies & procedures.

    CB Checkpoint

    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.

    A guide to establishing your business

    Doing business in the UK

    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.

    Strategic support for established businesses looking for expansion

    We support ambitious, business owners and investors in operating and scaling enterprises through to exit.

    Read our guide for business owners on protecting your business against incapacity.

    A Question of Capacity: a guide for businesses

    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.

    At what stage is your business?

    Each stage of a business has its own challenges and opportunities. Our corporate lawyers specialise in advising established businesses through to exit.

    View Details

    Recent 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.

      CORPORATE

      Manor renewable energy limited

      Ragavan ArunachalamPartner

      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.

      Read more

    • 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.

      CORPORATE

      Sale of large property owner

      Paul SillisConsultant

      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.

      Read more

    • 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.

      CORPORATE

      Sale of DIY retailer

      Paul SillisConsultant

      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.

      Read more

    • 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.

      CORPORATE

      Sale of online translation company

      Nigel BrahamsPartner

      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.

      Read more

    • 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.

      CORPORATE

      Acquisition of online fashion company

      Paul SillisConsultant

      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.

      Read more

    • 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.

      CORPORATE

      Acquisition of film production facility

      Paul SillisConsultant

      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.

      Read more

    • 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

      He-Man Dual Controls purchase

      Ragavan ArunachalamPartner

      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.

      Read more

    Corporate Law latest updates
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    Related content

    Corporate Law

    Corporate Law

    Corporate Lawyers London

    Being responsible for the running and growth of an established business can be extremely rewarding and exciting, requiring commitment, passion and drive.

    Read more

    Taking a big-picture approach

    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.

    Make an enquiry

    Key Contacts

    Want to connect? Select someone below to view their profile.

    View the team

    We support our clients with individually tailored legal advice, in areas such as:

    ESG

    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.

    Mergers & Acquisitions

    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.

    Find out more

    Corporate Governance

    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.

    Find out more

    Private Equity & Venture Capital

    Whether you need assistance with growth or development capital or mature market raises our team has the experience to support you.

    Find out more private equity law

    Funding & Finance

    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.

    Find out more

    Group Structures

    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.

    Make an enquiry

    Recent experience

    • Manor renewable energy limited

      Case study

      Manor renewable energy limited

      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.

    • sale of large property owner

      Case study

      Sale of large property owner

      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.

    • Sale of DIY retailer

      Case study

      Sale of DIY retailer

      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.

    • Online

      Case study

      Sale of online translation company

      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.

    • Fashion knitwear

      Case study

      Acquisition of online fashion company

      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.

    • film production

      Case study

      Acquisition of film production facility

      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.

    • man driving

      Case study

      He-Man Dual Controls purchase

      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.

    View all insights

    PREV NEXT

    Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.

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