Leading M&A Solicitors – 20+ Years of Experience in Corporate Transactions
Navigating corporate mergers and acquisitions requires expert legal guidance. Our lead solicitor, David Hughes, has over 20 years of experience in M&A law and is the author of the Shareholder Agreements in 30 Minutes guide. We provide strategic, commercially driven legal support for business sales, acquisitions, due diligence, shareholder agreements, and corporate restructuring. With a proven track record in multi-million-pound transactions, we ensure your deal is structured efficiently, legally sound, and commercially optimised. Speak to our M&A specialists today to secure your business interests and close deals with confidence.
Navigate Mergers & Acquisitions with Expert M&A Solicitors – Your Business Matters
Contact our expert M&A Solicitor for a free initial phone consultation today.
Why Business Owners Trust David With Their M&A Transactions?
“I can’t recommend David enough—he takes the time to break down legal jargon, speaks in straightforward business language, and supports clients without the ‘meter’ running.”
“Unlike many lawyers, David doesn’t just demonstrate legal knowledge—he ensures the law never stands in the way of your business growth. A true visionary who remains grounded in practical solutions.”
Buying or selling a business?
Expanding your business doesn’t always mean starting from scratch—sometimes, the smartest move is acquiring an existing one. Buying a business lets you assess its track record, identify opportunities, and hit the ground running. But make no mistake, a well-structured agreement is essential to avoid future disputes over payment, warranties, and liabilities. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re navigating mergers, acquisitions, or business disposals, our team provides the legal expertise to ensure a seamless transition, minimising risk while maximising success. We assist with everything from the sale or purchase of company shares, handling assets, leases, and employees, to structuring franchise agreements that work in your favour. And because we know timing is critical in commercial deals, we work closely with our property and employment teams to keep every aspect of the transaction moving on schedule.
At the end of the day, business growth is about strategy, precision, and having the right people in your corner. We’re here to make sure you get there.
LEADING FIRM – LEGAL 500 – CLIENT SATISFACTION
“The team is friendly, professional, and truly dedicated to their clients, always going above and beyond. No request is ever too much trouble. Their seamless collaboration and teamwork create a unique dynamic that is both impressive and a pleasure to witness.”
“An unmatched depth of expertise, paired with an almost obsessive attention to detail, makes this team stand out. They bring a level of professionalism and dedication that turns complex matters into seamless solutions. And let’s not forget—they’re not just brilliant at what they do, they’re also effortlessly personable, making every interaction smooth, engaging, and dare I say…a pleasure.”
LOOKING FOR EXPERT IN START-UPS?
Starting a new business—whether as a sole trader, partnership, or corporation—requires more than just a great idea; it demands the right legal foundation. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities, from choosing the right structure with tax considerations in mind to ensuring profits are distributed fairly and governance is clear. We’ll guide you on shareholder and partnership agreements, statutory obligations, and Companies House requirements, while also helping you draft strong terms of business and review agreements as your company grows. Our goal? To build a lasting partnership, understanding your business inside and out, so we can support you at every stage of your journey.
As your business grows, you may find yourself needing guidance in several key areas, such as:
- Commercial agreements – Whether it’s confidentiality and exclusivity agreements or customised contracts tailored to your needs, we can draft and advise on them.
- Ongoing contract and business reviews – We assist with regular evaluations of your commercial agreements and overall business administration.
- Company secretarial support – Ensuring compliance and proper corporate governance.
- Terms of Business – Helping you establish clear and effective terms for your operations.
- Customer and supplier contracts – Negotiating and structuring agreements that protect your interests.
- Franchise agreements – If expansion is on the horizon, we can help you establish a strong legal framework as a franchisor.
- Joint venture agreements – Structuring collaborations between businesses or individuals with shared goals.
- Financial documentation – Covering institutional lending, loan agreements, debentures, and guarantees.
- Share options and restructuring – Advising on equity arrangements and corporate structuring.
We bring the expertise and commercial insight to support your business at every stage, providing practical legal solutions tailored to your needs.
GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
We invite you to visit our Teams page to learn more about our dedicated team and their extensive expertise.
Read what our Clients Have to Say
EXCELLENT Based on 86 reviews Kwong Harris2023-09-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommendable.I am truly impressed , solicitor Emma got me back on track and boost my confidence especially my late husband died not long ago. Steve Royce2023-09-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an appointment with Emma Brown to make a will. Emma immediately made us feel at ease, and thereby making what might have been a difficult and scary process seem easy and relaxing. We would both recommend her wholeheartedly. She had answers for all our questions and we now have that peace of mind that everything is taken care of when the time comes. Erika Manolo2023-08-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kuljit and Genevieve were very responsive to my queries. Friendly, professional and get things done quickly. James Pierce2023-07-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Aristone Solicitors have been very nice to make a will with, they are so friendly and care about their clients. I recommend you make a will with them as soon as you can, it is so easy, a pleasure with these professionals. Maria Garcia2023-07-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My mother and I used Aristone Solicitors services for the preparation of a will under the March Free Will campaign and Emma Brown was extremely courteous, professional and helpful throughout. The process was explained thoroughly and the guidance paperwork we completed was very clear to understand. We were given a very warm welcome at their offices at the time of signing the will and Emma went above and beyond to ensure we understood everything clearly and we felt very well looked after. I wouldn't hesitate to use their services again. Stephen Cadwell2023-06-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Emma Brown made the process very easy and was very effcient sunil G2023-02-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt and professional service. Friendly staff. Went to get a signature witnessed and they charged the appropriate amount. Ling Zhou2023-01-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From my husband, Lindsey. All the team were kind, respectful and polite. Patrick Smith is very knowledgeable and professional and helped a great deal. Would certainly use them again. Graham Barlow2023-01-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Aristone Solicitors were most understand, patient and professional when dealing with my very protracted and difficult divorce. They are now helping me with other personal legal affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A merger involves combining two companies into a single entity, while an acquisition occurs when one company takes over another and becomes the new owner.
Through various methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions.
We provide fixed standard fees for a select number of services, which are specified on our rates page. For other matters, the specific needs of the case will determine both the seniority of our team and the time required. We provide an estimate of these costs in a consultation with your solicitor.
Legal advisers play a crucial role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. Their responsibilities span across various stages of the deal, ensuring that the transaction is legally sound, compliant with regulations, and aligned with the strategic objectives of the parties involved. Here are the key roles and responsibilities of legal advisers in M&A:
1. Pre-Deal Phase
- Strategic Advice: Providing initial strategic advice on the structure and feasibility of the transaction.
- Confidentiality Agreements: Drafting and negotiating confidentiality agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive information.
2. Due Diligence
- Conducting Due Diligence: Performing a thorough review of the target company’s financials, contracts, intellectual property, employment agreements, litigation history, and other relevant documents.
- Identifying Risks: Identifying potential legal risks and liabilities that could affect the transaction.
- Compliance Check: Ensuring the target company complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
3. Deal Structuring
- Advising on Structure: Advising on the optimal structure of the deal (e.g., stock purchase, asset purchase, merger) to meet the client’s strategic goals and tax considerations.
- Negotiating Terms: Negotiating the key terms and conditions of the transaction, including price, payment terms, and contingencies.
4. Drafting and Reviewing Documents
- Drafting Agreements: Drafting all necessary legal documents, including the letter of intent (LOI), purchase agreement, merger agreement, and ancillary agreements (e.g., non-compete agreements, employment agreements).
- Reviewing Documents: Reviewing and negotiating the terms of these documents to protect the client’s interests.
5. Regulatory Compliance
- Regulatory Filings: Preparing and submitting regulatory filings required for the transaction, such as antitrust clearances and other governmental approvals.
- Advising on Compliance: Ensuring the transaction complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including securities laws, competition laws, and industry-specific regulations.
6. Negotiation and Closing
- Facilitating Negotiations: Leading negotiations between the parties to resolve any outstanding issues and finalize the terms of the deal.
- Preparing for Closing: Coordinating the closing process, including the execution and delivery of closing documents.
- Funds Transfer: Ensuring the proper transfer of funds and assets to complete the transaction.
7. Post-Closing Integration
- Assisting with Integration: Advising on the integration of the acquired company into the buyer’s operations, including aligning systems, processes, and corporate cultures.
- Post-Closing Issues: Handling any post-closing adjustments, disputes, or regulatory compliance matters that arise.
8. Risk Management
- Mitigating Risks: Identifying and advising on strategies to mitigate potential legal risks throughout the transaction.
- Protecting Interests: Ensuring that the client’s legal and financial interests are protected at every stage of the M&A process.
9. Communication and Coordination
- Liaising with Other Advisors: Coordinating with other advisors involved in the transaction, such as financial advisors, accountants, and consultants, to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
- Client Updates: Keeping the client informed about the progress of the transaction and any emerging issues.
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