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

No matter where you are on your business journey, whether you’re just getting started or already running a well-established operation, having the right legal guidance is crucial. We’re here to help you navigate every stage, from setting up the foundations to managing growth and handling the day-to-day challenges of running a business. Because success isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about having the right support to make it happen. And that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.
 

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

At Aristone, we understand the priorities of our clients – getting the job done, providing a hassle-free experience, and managing costs effectively. Their testimonials and feedback are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to meeting our clients’ needs.

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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