It is sensible to seek legal advice whenever your business is entering into an important transaction, contractual relationship or structural change. This could include bringing in an investor, acquiring or selling a business, negotiating a significant commercial contract, changing your share structure or preparing for future succession or exit.

Involving a solicitor at an early stage can help identify potential risks before commitments are made and ensure the legal arrangements support what you are trying to achieve commercially.

Corporate law generally relates to the ownership, structure and financing of a business, including acquisitions and disposals, investments, reorganisations, share arrangements and corporate governance.

Commercial legal advice focuses more closely on the agreements and relationships through which a business operates, such as contracts with customers, suppliers, distributors, agents and other commercial partners. Many business decisions involve elements of both, which is why having advisers who understand the wider commercial context can be valuable.

Yes. DTM Legal advises businesses ranging from start-ups and SMEs to larger corporate groups and international companies. The legal support required will often change as a business develops, from establishing appropriate contracts and ownership arrangements through to securing investment, restructuring, completing acquisitions or preparing for a future sale.

The information required will depend on the matter, but it is helpful to provide a clear explanation of what you want to achieve, the parties involved and any relevant timescales. You should also gather existing contracts, company documents, heads of terms, correspondence or other paperwork connected with the proposed transaction or issue.

Providing this information at an early stage can help your solicitor understand the commercial context, identify the key legal considerations and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

Yes. Many corporate transactions and business reorganisations involve legal, financial and tax considerations that need to work together. Corporate solicitors will frequently collaborate with accountants, tax advisers, corporate finance advisers and other professionals to help ensure the legal documentation reflects the wider structure and commercial objectives of the transaction.

DTM Legal regularly works alongside clients’ other professional advisers on matters including business reorganisations, investments, acquisitions, sales and succession planning.