Belbridge Hague

COMMERCIAL

The world of commercial law can be filled with overwhelming terminology and plenty of paperwork to keep track of. Our systems and commercial law team keep it all streamlined so that you can focus on what you do best.

As your business grows, there are so many things to consider. We can work with you and your accountant to work out the best structure for your business. Not sure of the pros and cons of operating as a sole trader compared to a partnership, company or trust? We'll step you through it.

At the core of our commercial/business law service is document preparation and review. If you're in need of a lease, a deed (trust or otherwise), an option agreement, a franchise agreement or just about anything else, our team is here to help.

Buying or selling a business is a big deal! There are so many elements to address to ensure that you can confidently walk into or out of a business. We have the knowledge and tools to get your transaction over the line smoothly and on time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

As your business grows, you will probably wonder if it is time to change the structure of it. This might include registering a company, creating a trust, entering into a partnership agreement with someone or reverting to be a sole trader. This is a very personal decision and you need to take into account all of the legal and financial consequences of these potential changes. We can set it out for you in plain english and also consult with your accountant to find the best tailored solution.

Firstly, we need to determine what is actually being sold. If you are intending to sell your shares in a company that runs a business, then it may be more appropriate to enter into a share sale agreement. Otherwise, you will need to enter into a contract for the sale of a business. The annexures to this contract will differ greatly depending on the structure of your business. We will assist you with taking into account the assets of your business, side agreements with third parties that need to be transferred, staff entitlements, adjustment of stock, restraints of trade, personal property security registrations and many other issues.

If you are moving into a house and are asked to sign a residential tenancy agreement, you may be comfortable enough to read this document yourself and decide whether it is in your own best interests to sign it. If not, we are here to help.

If you are about to become the tenant or landlord of a property that is commercial, retail, office space or farmland, then the paperwork is more complex. It is highly recommend that you seek the assistance of a lawyer before creating or signing these documents. At Belbridge Hague we have many years of experience with leasing and we would be happy to help you with this.

The transfer of an existing lease is a common aspect of purchasing or selling a business. Likewise, growing your business may require a new lease. Either way, we can assist.

We have carried out work for a variety of commercial, business and farming clients that require unique agreements. We can assist you with things like agistment agreements, easements, deeds between family members or neighbours, licence agreements, partnership agreements and many more.