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BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL LAW · SALE & PURCHASE OF BUSINESSES
Buying or selling a business? Get the legal structure right before the deal becomes expensive to unwind.
Clear deal terms. Proper due diligence. Controlled transition.
Canterbury Legal advises buyers and sellers through business acquisitions and exits, from heads of agreement and due diligence to finance, settlement and transition.
Talk to us before the deal is locked in
Price is only one part of a business transaction. Structure, assets, liabilities, employees, leases, intellectual property, finance and warranties can materially change the risk. Early legal input helps shape the agreement before leverage is lost.
Good due diligence is cheaper than buying a problem.
We can help with…
- heads of agreement and transaction structure
- sale and purchase agreements
- legal due diligence
- finance, leases and key contracts
- settlement and transition arrangements
From first terms to final settlement
How we help with business sales and acquisitions.
Deal structure
Decide whether the transaction is an asset sale, share sale or another structure.
Agreement drafting
Prepare or review the transaction documents and conditions.
Due diligence
Investigate legal issues before the buyer becomes fully committed.
Finance & security
Coordinate lender requirements and transaction funding.
Leases & contracts
Address premises, key supplier/customer agreements and required consents.
Settlement
Manage completion, transfers and practical legal handover.
Sale & Purchase of Businesses
People who can help.
Commercial transaction support for buyers, sellers and business owners planning an exit.
What happens next.
- We understand the proposed deal and the commercial objective.
- We shape or review the agreement and key conditions.
- Due diligence is completed and material issues are addressed.
- Finance, consents and transfer documents are coordinated.
- We complete settlement and the legal handover of the business.
Related business services
Finance, securities & guarantees
Coordinate borrowing and security with the transaction.
Commercial contracts & negotiation
Review key agreements that support the business.
Business structuring
Plan ownership before or after acquisition.
Useful business transaction insights
Practical guidance on acquisitions, sales, contracts and commercial risk.
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Smart structure. Proper diligence. Clean handover.
If you are considering buying or selling a business, talk with our commercial team before signing the deal documents.
Phone: +64 3 377 0792
Send enquiry.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes. Early advice can help shape conditions, due diligence rights, transaction structure and risk allocation before you are committed.
Depending on the business, this may include reviewing ownership, contracts, leases, licences, intellectual property, security interests, litigation and other legal obligations.
An asset purchase and a share purchase can transfer different rights, liabilities and risks. The appropriate structure depends on the deal and should be considered with legal, accounting and tax advisers.
Yes. Lease assignment, landlord consent and the terms of the existing lease are often important parts of a business transaction.
Ideally well before going to market. Early preparation can identify ownership, contract, lease and structuring issues that are easier to fix before a buyer begins due diligence.