Buying a Company
Buying a company is a significant event and it may only happen once during your business journey. Therefore the legal process can seem daunting, even to the most experienced SME.
However, we have help. Attwells Solicitors specialise in commercial law, offering a fixed fee legal service for buying a company. Our lawyers will guide you through the process, meeting any time-critical dates and explaining the legal terminology in plain English.
Reasons SMEs buy a company
Buying a company can be easier and quicker than setting up and beginning a new one. Depending on the company you buy the brand may have value, valuable data, and a client base. From a financial point of view, it may also be easier to obtain finance due to the company having a reliable income and a clear strategy.
Other benefits include trained staff without the need for TUPE and a known market for the product or service you are providing.
On the flip side, an existing company is likely to cost more when compared to starting up your own. In addition, you are likely to have professional fees, insurance, warranties, and accountant fees for example.
What you can expect when instructing Attwells Solicitors
The process of buying a company
Your lawyer will typically start by drafting your heads of terms. Heads of terms is a name given to a document that sets out the basic terms and conditions of your company purchase. It can also deal with confidentiality requirements, the agenda, and timescales. This can be done, in part by yourself with the support of your lawyer. This is then sent to your seller and helped to inform the sales contract.
Next, your lawyer will review the draft contract prepared by the sellers’ solicitors. Your lawyer will then talk through the sales contract with you first. This can be done in person, over the phone, or via Zoom. We will point out issues, possible risks, and conditions we feel could be improved in your favour. At this point, we will raise queries on your behalf.
The complexity of the sale documentation depends on the nature or value of the acquisition. It can also be affected by risk and how much risk you are willing to take. But don’t worry, your lawyer will use their legal expertise to advise you. Typically we will chat through your options first, then confirm them in an email. This allows you time to think and review our advice.
Buying a company as a share or asset purchase: What is the difference
When buying a company you can choose to purchase the company via acquiring the shares or the assets.
Fundamentally when you buy a company via purchasing shares you are buying the shareholder or holders’ shares of the company. Yet, this is normally the entire share capital, meaning all the shares. As a consequence, this will only occur when purchasing a company, as companies have to be registered with Company House and therefore require shares. However, this can be as little as 1 share, meaning there is one shareholder. But it’s more like in large enterprises to be many shares, with numerous shareholders.
Yet when you buy a company via purchasing the assets you are acquiring the assets owned by the company.
Typically, assets include goodwill, manufacturing and IT equipment, and all intellectual property, including client data, plus infrastructure, and brand assets, such as websites, logos, and social media accounts. The assets will relate directly or indirectly to the products or services the business produces or plan to produce and can be tangible or intangible.
In addition, some asset business purchases can include rights and liabilities. This is very much dependent on the type of company you are purchasing. For example, if you purchase a construction company you may be liable for past building work. But if you buy a hair salon, your liabilities are likely to be limited to ensure you have the correct insurance.
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