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Corporate Governance

Ensuring your organisation is aligned with the ever-changing corporate governance landscape

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.

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    Sharon Fryer

    Sharon Fryer

    Partner - Head of Commercial Services

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  • Our Publications

    Discover a wealth of invaluable guidance in the form of guides and brochures written by our expert lawyers.

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  • Our insights

    Discover the latest insights and thought leadership from our team of legal experts.

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Expert corporate governance advice, whether standalone or as part of a larger transaction

More recently, large private companies have been brought under the corporate governance banner. From 2019, all companies that meet the relevant thresholds, whether public or private, have to report on whether they follow a formal code of corporate governance and, if not, explain why not. This latest set of rules reflects the significant impact that large companies have on customers, employees, pensioners, suppliers and communities, irrespective of their legal status.

Meeting the governance needs of public and private companies

Our corporate lawyers in London help listed and privately-owned companies, multinational organisations, boards of directors and company secretaries ensure that:

  • The organisation is compliant and reporting on its corporate governance correctly; and
  • Deals, investments and other business activities follow regulation and best practice, with all the right legal processes and procedures in place, and thus pass the scrutiny of regulators of stakeholders.

What corporate governance services can we provide?

We have a wealth of experience in advising on corporate governance structures, both for domestic and international businesses. We offer sophisticated advice on the full spectrum of issues, including:

  • Corporate governance policies and practices
  • Regulatory reporting and disclosure
  • Board and committee composition
  • Board diversity and leadership structures
  • Director’s duties and conflicts of interest
  • Committee charters, codes of ethics and other best practice materials
  • Shareholder agreements, communications and voting rights
  • Risk assessments and internal controls
  • Business ethics and anti-corruption
  • Internal investigations

With increasing pressure on boards of directors to remain up to date and compliant to avoid serious fines or criminal prosecution, the need for control over your corporate governance is more important than ever. As a full-service, highly ranked law firm, we will ensure your organisation is aligned with the ever-changing corporate governance landscape with a view to protecting long-term stakeholder value.

Quick glance: publications

Corporate Governance Publications

  • Corporate-know-how-guide-share-buybacks-cover

    Corporate Know-How Guides: Share Buybacks

    Put simply, a share buyback is where a company purchases its own shares from an existing shareholder. In this guide, we will look at some key aspects of share buybacks in relation to private limited companies incorporated in England & Wales.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • corporate-know-how-guide-heads-of-terms-visual

    Corporate Know-How Guides: Heads of Terms

    In this guide we will look at heads of terms as they relate to the sale of a business or assets in England & Wales. Whether identified as “heads of terms”, a “letter of intent” or “heads of agreement”, these documents summarise the key terms of a proposed transaction.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • Corporate-know-how-guide-shareholder-rights-cover-visual

    Corporate Know-How Guides: Shareholder Rights

    Whether you are a minority shareholder concerned about what influence you can exert over a company’s affairs, or a founding shareholder, considering the amount of equity you would be prepared to sell to investors without losing control – this guide is here to help you understand what shareholders can do and when.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • Share v asset sales guide visual

    Corporate Know-How Guides: Share v. Asset Sales

    Share and asset purchases are the two methods of acquiring a business in the UK.

    Do you know their differences? The business of a sole trader or unregistered partnership can only be acquired through an asset purchase as there is no owning entity for the assets which can be acquired, while a share purchase can be used for the acquisition of all or part of the shares in a company which owns and operates a business.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • Shareholders' agreement guide visual

    Corporate Know-How Guides: Shareholders’ Agreements: the Basics

    Did you know that a shareholders’ agreement is a written agreement, between the shareholders of a company, as to the relationship between them and how the company should be managed. By including the company as a party, the shareholders can ensure that it is both bound by and able to enforce the terms of the agreement against contravening shareholders.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • Corporate Know-How Guides: Selling a Business

    We look at the flip side of price structuring, instead focusing on how a seller could secure elements of the purchase price that are delayed – or at least obtain comfort around the buyer’s ability to pay them.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • Corporate Know-How Guides: Buying a Business

    When making an offer for a business, the question of when the consideration will be paid can often be just as important as how much will be paid. We look at four of the most common options available to prospective buyers (beyond upfront cash payments) and the risks/rewards posed by them.

    Discover our new series of Corporate Know-How guides.

    Download now

  • cb-checkpoint

    CB Checkpoint: overview

    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. Our team will give your business a full check-over.

    Download now

  • trees

    ESG: The private investors perspectiveA YouGov survey report - A YouGov survey report

    Collyer Bristow recently commissioned market researchers YouGov to ask 501 private investors with at least £100,000 of investable assets for their views on ESG investment decisions and performance.

    In this short report we explore how important the ESG agenda is to private investors, what drives their decision making, what aspects of the ESG agenda are most important, and the need for greater transparency in reporting.

    Download now

  • big ben - london

    İŞLETMELER İÇİN HİZMETLERİDDİALI İŞLETMELER İÇİN STRATEJİK DESTEK - İDDİALI İŞLETMELER İÇİN STRATEJİK DESTEK

    Turkish Language | An overview of our services supporting ambitious, often owner managed businesses, investors and entrepreneurs in building, operating and scaling enterprises from early stage right through to exit.

    Download now

  • mergers and acquisitions flyer

    Mergers & Acquisitions: an overview of our expertise

    An overview of the expertise of our Corporate team 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.

    Download now

  • lady talking on phone

    Services for businesses

    An overview of our services supporting ambitious mid-sized businesses, investors and successful entrepreneurs in building, operating and scaling enterprises.

    Download now

  • The City of London just after sunset, United Kingdom

    Doing business in the UK

    Whether you are looking to set up a new business here or expand an existing one, this guide covers the key things you need to know to avoid potential pitfalls and get the most out of your investment.

    Download now

  • ipad and lady

    key considerations when establishing business funding

    Are you considering new funding for your business? Our handy flowchart highlights key questions to ask yourself and key points to document to ensure your business is protected.

    Download now

  • Small business owner

    Pre-investment checklist

    An investor will want a range of financial, commercial and legal information about your business, before deciding how much to invest, and on what terms. This checklist helps you prepare for the legal part of that process.

    Download now

Corporate Governance insights

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Need some more information? Make an enquiry below



    Corporate Governance key contacts

    Corporate Governance

    Corporate Governance

    Corporate Governance

    Ensuring your organisation is aligned with the ever-changing corporate governance landscape

    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.

    • Key contact

      Sharon Fryer

      Sharon Fryer

      Partner - Head of Commercial Services

      ArrowView profile

    • The Team

      Our lawyers have the expertise and experience to provide you with creative, personalised solutions in a clear and understandable way.

      ArrowMeet the team

    • Our Publications

      Discover a wealth of invaluable guidance in the form of guides and brochures written by our expert lawyers.

      ArrowSee our downloads

    • Our insights

      Discover the latest insights and thought leadership from our team of legal experts.

      ArrowFind out more

    Expert corporate governance advice, whether standalone or as part of a larger transaction

    More recently, large private companies have been brought under the corporate governance banner. From 2019, all companies that meet the relevant thresholds, whether public or private, have to report on whether they follow a formal code of corporate governance and, if not, explain why not. This latest set of rules reflects the significant impact that large companies have on customers, employees, pensioners, suppliers and communities, irrespective of their legal status.

    Meeting the governance needs of public and private companies

    Our corporate lawyers in London help listed and privately-owned companies, multinational organisations, boards of directors and company secretaries ensure that:

    • The organisation is compliant and reporting on its corporate governance correctly; and
    • Deals, investments and other business activities follow regulation and best practice, with all the right legal processes and procedures in place, and thus pass the scrutiny of regulators of stakeholders.

    What corporate governance services can we provide?

    We have a wealth of experience in advising on corporate governance structures, both for domestic and international businesses. We offer sophisticated advice on the full spectrum of issues, including:

    • Corporate governance policies and practices
    • Regulatory reporting and disclosure
    • Board and committee composition
    • Board diversity and leadership structures
    • Director’s duties and conflicts of interest
    • Committee charters, codes of ethics and other best practice materials
    • Shareholder agreements, communications and voting rights
    • Risk assessments and internal controls
    • Business ethics and anti-corruption
    • Internal investigations

    With increasing pressure on boards of directors to remain up to date and compliant to avoid serious fines or criminal prosecution, the need for control over your corporate governance is more important than ever. As a full-service, highly ranked law firm, we will ensure your organisation is aligned with the ever-changing corporate governance landscape with a view to protecting long-term stakeholder value.

    Corporate Governance insights

    View all insights

    Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.

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