Commercial property and business law
Commercial property and business law team
Colin Clarke
(Solicitor / Partner)
Nick Gale
(Solicitor / Partner)
Tony Johnson
(Solicitor / Partner)
Sara Mitchell
(Solicitor / Partner)
Sam Hadlow
(Secretary)
Val Pitts
(Secretary)
Our team of experienced commercial lawyers, led by Colin Clarke, provide a host of business orientated services including:
- Buying and selling commercial property.
- Buying and selling businesses
- Company share sales
- Commercial leases
- Lease renewals and rent reviews
- Commercial mortgages
- Company law
- Partnerships
- Property development
- Liquor licensing
- Commercial contracts
With four of our Partners providing commercial law services, we believe the depth of knowledge and practical service that we able to offer local businesses is unrivalled on the island.
Buying and selling commercial property
Our clients vary from the novice to the very experienced when it comes to commercial property. We therefore tailor our service to the particular requirements of the client and the actual transaction.
Buying and selling businesses
These vary from the small and straightforward to the large and complex. It can involve so much more than just buying the business premises: equipment (some of which may be leased), employees being transferred, contracts with suppliers and customers, special licences (e.g. liquor licences), VAT considerations. If you have not bought or sold a business before then talk to us at any early stage - and benefit from our experience.
Company share sales
In contrast to the buying or selling actual assets and goodwill, sometimes (usually for taxation reasons) the actual shares in a company are sold. This is usually a more complicated and expensive way to acquire a business but we can steer you through the minefield.
Commercial leases and renewals and rent reviews
Commercial leases are very different beasts than residential leases. We are well practised in the creation (‘grant’) of leases, their renewal, rent reviews, and what happens at the end of the lease. If you are looking to grant a lease or take up a lease for the first time then an initial conversation with us will be of benefit.
Commercial mortgages
Being a medium sized firm, most mortgage lenders are happy to instruct us to deal with commercial mortgages. There are often associated issues such as director guarantees, priority between two mortgages, debentures (security on the non property assets of the company) which need to be dealt with.
Company law
From formation to dissolution we can assist. Many small companies overlook the benefit of having shareholders agreements - until the time when there is a dispute between the shareholders when it may be too late!
Partnerships
Many businesses operate as partnerships with no written agreement - which means they are dependent on the rules imposed by statute, which is rarely what they want. We can offer basic partnership agreements for a simple two person business through to complex industry specific agreements. If matters do not work out we can also advise on bringing a partnership to an end.
Property development
From the acquisition of land (whether by outright purchase or via an option) through to the sale of the completed units we can offer an experienced but cost effective service to the property developer.
Liquor licensing
The promised ‘simplification’ of liquor licences never really materialised. If you need to obtain a new liquor licence for your premises or wish to alter the existing arrangements you need to contact our ‘man in the know’, Colin Clarke.
Commercial contracts
They come in all shapes and sizes. If you need guidance on a commercial contract whether it is for a large one off transaction or for a series of sales or purchases we are happy to assist.
For a quote, or for further information, please contact us.