Corporate Law for Technology and Digital Businesess
Our Corporate team are experts in representing a wide range of clients from 'start up' companies deciding on the best legal structure to adopt, businesses in process of scaling up and established enterprises.
More about Corporate Services for Technology and Digital
Our Corporate Solicitors offer clients advice and an explanation of the options available to them including any potential difficulties that may arise, in language that they will understand.
Services Offered to Tech and Digital Companies
Disposals, exits and exit strategies
Corporate and business tax
Domestic and cross border mergers and acquisitions, equity investments and joint ventures
Company restructures – Demergers/ Allotment, reclassifications, redesignations, and subdivisions of shares/ Share for Share exchanges
Family Investment Company work
Drafting bespoke articles of association
Share buybacks
Management buyouts
Asset & share acquisitions
Shareholders agreements/ Cross-option agreements
Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) schemes
Services Offered to Tech and Digital Companies
Disposals, exits and exit strategies
Corporate and business tax
Domestic and cross border mergers and acquisitions, equity investments and joint ventures
Company restructures – Demergers/ Allotment, reclassifications, redesignations, and subdivisions of shares/ Share for Share exchanges
Family Investment Company work
Drafting bespoke articles of association
Share buybacks
Management buyouts
Asset & share acquisitions
Shareholders agreements/ Cross-option agreements
Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) schemes
Examples of recent work:
Advising a company specialising in the manufacture and supply of fuel management systems and monitoring software on multiple buybacks of shares and a restructure of the company.
Advising a long-standing client on the management buyout of the company, specialising in temperature and humidity validation to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
Acted on the sale of a business which specialises in the supply, support and technical expertise of EPoS equipment
Examples of recent work:
Advising a company specialising in the manufacture and supply of fuel management systems and monitoring software on multiple buybacks of shares and a restructure of the company.
Advising a long-standing client on the management buyout of the company, specialising in temperature and humidity validation to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
Acted on the sale of a business which specialises in the supply, support and technical expertise of EPoS equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a tech startup speak to a corporate solicitor?
A tech startup should consult a corporate solicitor as early as possible, particularly before seeking investment or entering into any agreements. Early legal guidance ensures:
The right business structure is chosen for future investment.
Founders’ agreements and share structures are investment ready.
Intellectual property (IP) is properly protected and assigned to the company, which is crucial for both investment and future exit value.
The company is prepared for due diligence by investors, avoiding costly issues later.
Engaging a solicitor early helps position the business for successful funding rounds and long-term growth.
How can you support a digital business preparing for exit or sale?
We can support exit preparations by:
Conducting legal due diligence to ensure all intellectual property, contracts, and compliance matters are in order.
Advising whether an organic sale (selling the company as a whole) or a strategic sale (to a competitor or investor) is optimal.
Structuring the deal to maximise value, often recommending a share sale in the tech sector to ensure all IP and key assets transfer seamlessly to the buyer.
Negotiating sale terms, warranties, and indemnities to protect the seller’s interests.
When should I start planning an exit strategy for my tech business?
Exit planning should start early—ideally from the outset or at least a few years before a potential sale. Early planning allows you to:
· Align growth and investment decisions with your exit objectives.
· Ensure all IP is properly owned by the company and not by individuals or third parties.
· Build the business in a way that is attractive to future buyers or investors, whether through organic growth or strategic acquisitions.
What’s the difference between a share sale and an asset sale in a tech business exit?
Aspect | Share Sale | Asset Sale |
What is sold | All shares in the company (buyer acquires the entire business) | Specific assets (e.g., IP, contracts, technology) |
IP and key assets | All IP and contracts transfer automatically with the company | Each asset (including IP) must be individually transferred |
Liabilities | Buyer assumes all company liabilities | Buyer can select which liabilities to take on |
Remain with the company | May require new contracts | |
Complexity | Simpler for transferring IP and business continuity | More complex, especially for IP-heavy tech businesses |
What’s the difference between organic growth and strategic acquisitions/mergers for a tech business?
Organic growth involves expanding through increased sales, new product development, or entering new markets using internal resources.
Strategic acquisitions/mergers involve buying or merging with other companies to quickly access new technology, markets, customers, or talent.
Strategic acquisitions can accelerate growth far beyond what is possible organically, but they require careful legal structuring—especially regarding IP ownership, employment, and integration. We can ensure due diligence is robust and that key assets, like IP, are secured in any transaction.
Our dedicated Corporate team
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0800 689 3206 - Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
