Buying and selling a business

Why choose Palmers Solicitors if you are buying or selling a business?

Our company commercial team offers a responsive, business-focused service and a proven track record in company sales and purchases.

We build lasting relationships with our clients, providing continuity and a deep understanding of their business needs.

Get expert advice on buying and selling a business

Buying and selling a business

Whether you are buying or selling a business (including Companies, LLPs, Partnerships or your sole trading business), careful planning and the right legal advice are crucial.

The process involves much more than just agreeing a price. From contracts and property matters to employment obligations, every detail must be handled properly to protect your interests.

Our solicitors have extensive experience in guiding businesses through acquisitions and disposals of all sizes, from sole traders to multi million pound acquisitions or sales of national companies.

We ensure every aspect of the transaction is managed efficiently and in line with your commercial goals.

Our Specialisms

Our specialist areas include:

• Business and Asset Transfers – Ensuring the smooth transfer of ownership, assets, and liabilities, tailored to meet the specific needs of your business
• Share Allocations and Share Buybacks – Helping you manage shareholder structures, optimise equity distribution, and execute share buyback schemes
• Corporate Finance – Providing advice on financing options, raising capital, and structuring deals to support your growth or reorganisation plans
• Management Buy-ins (MBIs) and Management Buyouts (MBOs) – Guiding you through the legalities of management-led acquisitions, whether you’re buying into a business or selling to your management team
• Mergers – Assisting in the legal processes of merging companies, including due diligence, structuring, and integration planning to ensure a smooth transition
• Employee Share Options – Structuring employee ownership schemes that align with your business goals, incentivise employees, and provide tax-efficient benefits
• Buying and selling businesses: We can assist you with the sale and purchase agreements for company transactions as well as the transfer of interests in partnerships

Our solicitors will work closely with you to understand the intricacies of your restructure, providing tailored legal advice that supports your vision and protects your business’s future.

Employee Ownership Trusts

As part of the buying or selling process, an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can be an excellent option for owners looking to sell to employees and secure a legacy for their business.

EOTs allow owners to sell their business to a trust, which is then held for the benefit of the employees. This offers tax advantages and ensures a smoother transition of ownership.

Our team can guide you through the legalities of establishing and managing an EOT, including drafting trust deeds, advising on tax-efficient structures, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Corporate restructuring

Undertaking a corporate restructure can be a complex and transformative process, and the successful implementation of your restructuring plan is crucial to achieving your business objectives.

Whether you are looking to streamline operations, improve financial performance, or prepare for a sale or succession, careful legal guidance is essential at every stage.

Our team has extensive experience in managing a wide range of restructuring scenarios, including demergers, corporate reorganisations (including share allocations, buy backs, MBOs and MBIs), equity funding arrangements, and family business succession planning.

We provide strategic advice to ensure your restructure aligns with your goals while minimising risk and optimising opportunities for long-term success.

Key issues in buying and selling a business, or undertaking a restructure

Our solicitors can support you with:

• Contracts and agreements – Drafting and negotiating sale and purchase agreements, including heads of terms, disclosure letters and warranties
• Commercial property – Advising on the sale, transfer or lease of premises linked to the business
• Employment law – Ensuring compliance with TUPE regulations so employees transfer smoothly with their rights protected
• Business services – Providing guidance on funding structures, management buyouts, asset sales and share sales

We work closely with you to manage risk, avoid disputes and make the process as seamless as possible.

Speak to our solicitors about buying or selling a business

Selling your business through an EOT provides a valuable alternative to traditional sales and can significantly enhance employee retention and motivation.