Business & Commercial Law

Running a business?

Legal advice that helps your business move forward

Running a business involves decisions that carry both legal and commercial consequences. Whether you are setting up a new venture, bringing in a business partner or shareholder, negotiating a contract or lease, growing through acquisition, or preparing to sell, the legal structure behind the decision matters.

At SD&S Legal Group, we work with business owners at different stages of the business lifecycle. We advise on business structures, business sales and purchases, shareholder and partnership arrangements, commercial contracts, commercial leasing and the legal issues that arise in the day-to-day operation of a business.

Practical advice to help you move forward

Our approach is practical and commercially minded. We take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve, identify the issues that genuinely matter and give you clear advice about the risks and options available. The objective is not simply to tell you what could go wrong - it is to help you make an informed decision and move forward.

Working alongside your advisers

Many transactions involve more than one professional. Where that's the case, we can work alongside your accountant, broker, lender or other advisers to help keep the legal and commercial pieces aligned. We keep everyone informed, share information promptly and make sure nothing falls through the gaps, so the process runs smoothly and you're not left coordinating it all yourself.

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Get the legal position right before you commit

Many commercial problems are much easier to deal with before an agreement is signed.

Whether you are buying a business, taking on a commercial lease, entering into a significant contract or bringing another person into the business, the terms you agree at the outset can have long-term financial and operational consequences.

We can review and negotiate the legal documentation before you commit, identify provisions that may create unnecessary risk and explain the practical effect of the agreement in the context of what you are actually trying to achieve.

The aim is not to eliminate every commercial risk. It is to make sure you understand the deal, the obligations you are taking on and where the important risks sit before you make the decision.

How our business law team can assist you

From buying or selling a business to day-to-day legal advice, we help you make informed decisions at every stage.

Business Sales and PurchasesWe advise buyers and sellers throughout business transactions, including reviewing and negotiating sale and purchase agreements, due diligence, finance and other conditions, documentation and settlement.

Business Structures and RestructuringIf you are starting a new venture or changing an existing business, we can advise on the legal structure and documentation required to support the way the business will operate.

Shareholder and Partnership ArrangementsClear agreements between business owners can help prevent uncertainty later. We prepare and advise on shareholder agreements, partnership arrangements and other agreements governing ownership, decision-making and the relationship between the people behind the business.

Commercial ContractsWe prepare, review and negotiate commercial agreements, helping you understand the obligations, risks and practical consequences before you commit.

Commercial LeasingIf you are taking new premises, renewing an existing lease or negotiating changes to your occupancy arrangements, we can advise on the terms of the lease and the obligations that come with it.

General Business AdviceBusinesses do not only need legal advice when something major happens. We provide practical advice on the legal issues that arise through the day-to-day operation, growth and evolution of a business.

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Starting something new, negotiating a deal, bringing in another owner or planning your next move

We’ll help you understand the legal position and move forward with confidence.

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What should I consider when choosing a business structure?

The right structure depends on factors such as who will own the business, how it will operate, how risk and responsibility will be shared, and your plans for growth, investment or an eventual sale. Common structures include sole traders, partnerships and companies, each with different legal and financial implications. We can work alongside your accountant to help make sure the structure supports both the legal and commercial objectives of the business.

What should I look for in a commercial lease before signing?

A commercial lease can create significant long-term obligations, so it is important to understand more than just the rent. Terms around the lease period, rights of renewal, rent reviews, operating expenses, maintenance, fit-out, permitted use, signage, assignment, subletting and your obligations when leaving the premises can all be important. We can review and negotiate the lease before you commit.

We’re bringing on another shareholder or business partner - do we need a formal agreement?

It is usually sensible to document how the relationship will work while everyone is on good terms. A well-drafted agreement can address ownership, decision-making, responsibilities, funding, distributions, disputes and what happens if someone wants to leave, dies or wishes to sell their interest. The appropriate agreement will depend on whether you are operating through a company, partnership or another structure.

I’m buying an existing business - what should I check before I commit?

Buying a business normally involves both legal and financial due diligence. From a legal perspective, that can include reviewing the sale and purchase agreement, ownership of key assets, leases, material contracts, employment arrangements, intellectual property and any disputes or liabilities relevant to the transaction. Your accountant will usually review the financial position alongside that legal due diligence.

When should I involve a lawyer in a business transaction?

Ideally, before you sign anything that commits you to the transaction. Early advice gives us the opportunity to review the proposed terms, identify issues and negotiate changes while there is still room to do so. That applies whether you are buying or selling a business, entering a lease, taking on another shareholder or negotiating a significant commercial contract.