Forbes Solicitors are recognised as a leading corporate law firm, delivering high-level strategic corporate advisory services for businesses across the UK. Our corporate solicitors act as trusted partners throughout the entire business lifecycle, from launching a start-up and seeking investment to scaling for growth and ultimately preparing for a successful exit.
Ranked by Legal 500 and renowned for a strong track record in high-value transactions, our specialist corporate lawyers ensure every deal is expertly managed.
Corporate law is the legal framework governing the formation, management, funding, and restructuring of a company. It serves as the legal foundation for a business, establishing its existence as a distinct entity that is legally separate from its owners.
By navigating the complexities of corporate law, solicitors ensure that a business is built on a solid foundation, protecting the interests of stakeholders and providing a clear roadmap for long-term growth and compliance.
While often used interchangeably, these two fields serve distinct purposes.
● Corporate Law: Corporate law focuses on the internal structure of the business. It dictates how a company is governed, the specific duties of its directors, and the legal rights of its shareholders. If you are issuing new shares, restructuring the company, or managing board-level disputes, you are operating within the realm of corporate law.
● Commercial Law: Commercial law governs a company’s external trading relationships. It focuses on the operational side of business, providing the legal framework for the contracts and agreements that enable day-to-day trade and commercial transactions. This includes drafting supply agreements, defining standard terms and conditions, and protecting the business during transactions with customers and partners.
The Key Distinction: Corporate law governs how a business is built and managed internally, while commercial law governs how that business trades and interacts with the outside world.
While often used interchangeably, these two fields serve distinct purposes.
● Corporate Law: Corporate law focuses on the internal structure of the business. It dictates how a company is governed, the specific duties of its directors, and the legal rights of its shareholders. If you are issuing new shares, restructuring the company, or managing board-level disputes, you are operating within the realm of corporate law.
● Commercial Law: Commercial law governs a company’s external trading relationships. It focuses on the operational side of business, providing the legal framework for the contracts and agreements that enable day-to-day trade and commercial transactions. This includes drafting supply agreements, defining standard terms and conditions, and protecting the business during transactions with customers and partners.
The Key Distinction: Corporate law governs how a business is built and managed internally, while commercial law governs how that business trades and interacts with the outside world.
Our corporate lawyers offer a full suite of services supporting every stage of the business lifecycle:
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Guiding you through complex business purchases and sales.
Management Buyouts (MBOs) & Buy-ins (MBIs): Helping management teams or external buyers acquire ownership.
Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs): Transitioning businesses to employee-owned models for long-term independence.
Corporate Finance & Private Equity: Preparing businesses for investment, from venture capital to large-scale funding.
Shareholders' Agreements & Articles of Association: Drafting robust agreements to protect stakeholder interests.
Joint Ventures: Legal structuring for collaborations and growth partnerships.
Company Restructuring: Managing structural change for efficiency or exit preparedness.
Our corporate lawyers offer a full suite of services supporting every stage of the business lifecycle:
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Guiding you through complex business purchases and sales.
Management Buyouts (MBOs) & Buy-ins (MBIs): Helping management teams or external buyers acquire ownership.
Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs): Transitioning businesses to employee-owned models for long-term independence.
Corporate Finance & Private Equity: Preparing businesses for investment, from venture capital to large-scale funding.
Shareholders' Agreements & Articles of Association: Drafting robust agreements to protect stakeholder interests.
Joint Ventures: Legal structuring for collaborations and growth partnerships.
Company Restructuring: Managing structural change for efficiency or exit preparedness.
Corporate Law Case Studies: Proven Results
| The Deal | Our Action | The Result |
|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Vertex Acquisition | Acted on the acquisition of TPCC Holdings Ltd. Drafted share purchase agreements, negotiated security provisions, and managed risk allocation. | Successful acquisition of a major manufacturer; turnover projected to reach eight figures. |
| Darwen Terracotta EOT | Advised on the successful transition to employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). | Secured the long-term independence of a specialist UK manufacturer. |
| Brookhouse Aerospace | Advised on the acquisition of Parker Precision, involving complex investment from multiple lenders. | Strategic growth within the aerospace and defence sectors. |
| Vehicle Repair Acquisition | Acted for buyers on the acquisition of entire share capital. Prepared thorough due diligence and negotiated personal guarantees. | Smooth transfer of ownership with comprehensive risk mitigation. |
| Ningbo Walking Floors Sale | Provided expert legal advice to the seller during the disposal of the company to Barnes Logistics. | Successful exit for the seller with all legal protections secured. |
| Care Home Portfolio | Facilitated the purchase of multiple care homes for a leading UK provider, including CQC compliance advice. | Expanded portfolio for the client with all regulatory liabilities addressed. |
| Tech SME Sale | Advised on share structure and guided Private Equity (PE) negotiations. | Successful exit for founders with future investment secured. |
Working with experienced solicitors allows you to:
Secure Interests: Protect founders and investors through strong governance.
Ensure Compliance: Navigate regulatory obligations, including Companies House and CQC requirements.
Enhance Value: Structure your business to be investment-ready and attractive to buyers.
Mitigate Risk: Reduce liabilities during pivotal transactions to strengthen the business for the long term.
Working with experienced solicitors allows you to:
Secure Interests: Protect founders and investors through strong governance.
Ensure Compliance: Navigate regulatory obligations, including Companies House and CQC requirements.
Enhance Value: Structure your business to be investment-ready and attractive to buyers.
Mitigate Risk: Reduce liabilities during pivotal transactions to strengthen the business for the long term.
What is the difference between corporate and commercial law?
Corporate law covers the internal company structure; commercial law focuses on trading contracts and relationships.
What does a corporate lawyer do?
A corporate lawyer advises on business formation, capital raising, shareholder arrangements, restructuring, and company sales.
How long does a business sale take?
A standard business sale usually takes 3-6 months, depending on complexity and due diligence outcomes.
What is due diligence in corporate law?
Due diligence is the investigation and review of a company’s legal, financial, and operational matters before completing a transaction.
How do I protect my shares in a company?
A robust Shareholders’ Agreement and clear Articles of Association, drafted by corporate solicitors, safeguard your rights and interests.
I have primarily worked alongside Jenny Burke on a number of commercial law matters with my clients, all of whom have found Jenny’s support and knowledge exceptional. I always know that I can recommend Jenny in complete confidence, knowing that the service she and her colleagues will provide to my clients will be of the highest standard.
Legal 500
Having worked with several local law firms I have always found Forbes offer the best service as they always put the client first. The partners and staff I have worked with are excellent. I have received positive feedback when recommending Jenny Burke and Victoria Motley. Their service is professional, attitude is always positive, and they always have time to listen to clients to ensure they are meeting all their needs.
Legal 500
David and his team guided us through the Management Buy Out of our Company and we cannot recommend him highly enough. After 38 years of running the business, it was a daunting and emotional task for us but he truly was a pleasure to deal with. He kept us up to speed at every stage of the process, guiding us through the paperwork and answering all our queries in a friendly and patient manner. Highly recommended and we would have no hesitation in using him again.
Di & Martin
Forbes have recently acted on my behalf on the sale of my company, Gemma Catlow has overseen all of our transaction and I could not recommend a more professional diligent person who has personally given a first class attention for the smooth completion of the deal. Gemma has taken the time to explain issues to a client may appear daunting at time to guide us through the transfer of each stage.
Cromie Limited
I could not be more pleased with the way Rebecca McCann has handled this assignment - explained everything fully with a very professional, friendly and polite approach. Kept me fully informed and ensured a smooth completion of the work.
I would highly recommend Rebecca and Forbes.Wayne T
Forbes are my go to firm for all corporate matters for my clients. The quality of service is excellent; communication between Forbes, myself and my clients is what makes Forbes stand out.
Legal 500
Jenny Burke is an excellent corporate solicitor who I have worked with for a number of years. Jenny always takes the time to ensure all parties fully understand the work being carried out, and is happy to answer all questions from all parties.
Legal 500
We hired Forbes to advise us on a complex merger with a UK firm that also involved Private Equity. David and his teams demeanor and care for the details was second to none. I have worked with over 15 law firms in the last 20 years and they rate as one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
He kept all 20 shareholders aligned and kept us in the loop at all times. His understanding of the human factor and emotions involved in selling your baby came through over and over. At times I think he was as much of a Solicitor as he was a Therapist. His willingness to work around a 6 hour time zone difference was truly a blessing. He was happy to have calls with us well past his bed time. If you need a Solicitor in the UK you will not be disappointed in picking Forbes and David Filmer.Tony Lewis
I had an excellent experience with Gemma. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and she guided me step by step throughout the entire process. She was always very efficient with time and kept everything on track. I felt fully supported and informed from start to finish.
Naveed
From start to finish, Fern was excellent in all facets of the job. She was in contact constantly, advised me on my situation and how to improve my case, and was just an all round pleasure to work with.
Anonymous
Need first class employment legal services contact the team at Forbes
Excellent from initial engagement, through to satisfactory completion of the matter. I would highly recommend Fern Gordon - Employment Solicitor and the team at Forbes.
Anonymous
I have used the services of Forbes Solicitors for a number of years now, for HR/employment law advice and for advice on and creation of commercial contracts. I continue to use Forbes because of their personal approach, speed of response and balanced advice.
Anonymous
I could not be more pleased with the way Rebecca McCann has handled this assignment - explained everything fully with a very professional, friendly and polite approach. Kept me fully informed and ensured a smooth completion of the work. I would highly recommend Rebecca and Forbes.
Anonymous
Rebecca managed my interests in a share sale / restructuring transaction to facilitate my partial exit from a limited company. This was a fairly complex transaction involving setting up a new holding company, the transfer of shares, the sale of shares and new service agreements for the directors. To be honest I wasn't looking forward to working through the legal process to make this transaction happen but Rebecca (and the team at Forbes) made it seem easy. I can honestly say it was a pleasure to work with them and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Anonymous
Rebecca and Pauline were a pleasure to deal with. It’s always a frustrating period selling a business that you have worked in for many years and mine was no exception. Through great communication it helped elevate the stresses of the process and Rebecca’s constant reassurance was very much welcomes.
Anonymous
David and his team expertly navigated us through a complex business acquisition. The service provided by David and all of the team at Forbes was outstanding. David's advice and approach is precise, timely and practical; all of which was instrumental in getting a complicated transaction over the line - despite multiple challenges and changes along the way! We highly recommend David to others looking for pragmatic advice of the highest quality.
Anonymous
We used Forbes in the recent sale of our business and from start to finish they were great. We dealt with David and Nick, and even with holidays, cover was in place to ensure completion was within the deadline. They were at hand via email, phone and zoom through out the process and wouldn't hesitate recommending them to anyone.
Anonymous
M&A and financing advice on a complex acquisition process
David and his team advised us as buy-in investors to acquire two companies in the packaging sector. It was a complex deal involving two connected but separate acquisitions and financing from six separate lenders. He and his team were excellent.
Anonymous
David and his team guided us through the Management Buy Out of our Company and we cannot recommend him highly enough. After 38 years of running the business, it was a daunting and emotional task for us but he truly was a pleasure to deal with. He kept us up to speed at every stage of the process, guiding us through the paperwork and answering all our queries in a friendly and patient manner. Highly recommended and we would have no hesitation in using him again.
Anonymous
Secure your company’s future and maximise growth opportunities by speaking to our specialist corporate team. Whether you are scaling, restructuring, or planning a sale, our high-level advisory services will help you achieve your ambitions.
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