Corporate and Commercial Law

At Biscoes, our corporate and commercial solicitors provide businesses with the legal clarity they need to grow and operate with confidence. Whether you're a startup, scale-up, or established company, we will support you with all of your business needs, from day-to-day contracts to complex business transactions.

Our work is grounded in deep legal knowledge and a practical understanding of how businesses operate. We help clients across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond to navigate legal issues efficiently, reduce risk, and seize commercial opportunities.

From preparing shareholder agreements and investment agreements to handling mergers and acquisitions, Biscoes’ corporate and commercial solicitors offer strategic advice with a personal touch. We build long-standing relationships with our clients and become trusted advisers for every stage of their business lifecycle.

Whether you're preparing to sell your business, require advice on directors’ obligations, or assistance with commercial contracts, Biscoes’ corporate and commercial lawyers are here to help with carefully tailored support and advice.

Biscoes’ corporate and commercial solicitors can advise in relation to the following:

• Bank Guarantees and Security Documents
• Buying and Selling Companies (share sales and purchases)
• Buying and Selling Businesses (asset sales and purchases)
• Company restructuring
• Commercial Contracts
• Cross Option Agreements
• Directors Obligations
• Shareholder Agreements
• Confidentiality Agreements

Contact our expert corporate and commercial solicitors today

If you would like to contact one of our corporate and commercial solicitors in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 02392 660261. Alternatively, please fill out this simple contact form, and we will respond promptly.

Why choose Biscoes for your corporate and commercial law needs?

Our team of corporate and commercial solicitors are known for delivering clear and rigorous legal advice. We support companies of many sizes across the UK with everything from strategic planning for transactions to everyday governance issues.

Biscoes regularly acts for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations. We proudly hold the Lexcel accreditation, a testament to our excellence in legal practice management and outstanding client care.

We take the time to understand your business’s structure, priorities, and plans. Our advice is tailored, straightforward, and designed to add real commercial value. We’re responsive, experienced, and always focused on helping you achieve the best legal outcomes.

Our corporate and commercial legal services

Bank guarantees and security documents

Bank guarantees and security documents are essential tools for securing finance and managing business risk. These may be required by lenders or investors as part of a funding arrangement or business acquisition.

Our bank guarantees and security documentation team can help draft, review, and negotiate guarantees, debentures, legal charges, and other security instruments. We ensure documents are enforceable, compliant, and aligned with your business’s interests.

Buying and selling businesses

Whether you are acquiring a company or preparing for sale, Biscoes provides comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction. Biscoes regularly advises in relation to share sales and purchases and asset sales and purchases. Biscoes regularly act for clients in relation to MBO’s. Biscoes handle everything from due diligence to sale and purchase agreements, supporting smooth and secure deals.

Our business lawyers for buying and selling companies or businesses work closely with accountants and tax advisers to guide you through company sales and purchases, asset sales and purchases, and share restructuring transactions. Biscoes act to protect your commercial position and make sure your legal documentation is watertight.

Commercial contracts

Robust contracts are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you need terms and conditions, supply agreements, or service contracts, we can help draft and negotiate with clarity and confidence.

Our commercial solicitors ensure that your commercial contracts reflect your goals, allocate risk appropriately, and comply with relevant regulations. We also support contract reviews and dispute prevention.

Cross option agreements

Cross option agreements are crucial for succession planning in owner-managed businesses. These agreements set out what happens to a partner’s share in the business if they pass away or become incapacitated. Cross option agreements are linked to relevant life policies to ensure that a continuing shareholder has the funds to purchase the shares of a deceased/terminally ill shareholder.

We help draft and implement cross option agreements that align with your business protection insurance, shareholder agreements, and long-term plans.

Directors obligations

Directors have a range of legal duties under the Companies Act and other laws. These include acting in good faith, avoiding conflicts of interest, and exercising reasonable care.

Our company law solicitors advise directors on their legal responsibilities and help mitigate risks. Whether you are a new director or facing a potential breach of duty, our directors’ obligations solicitors can support you with practical, confidential guidance.

Shareholders’ agreements

A well-drafted shareholders’ agreement can prevent disputes and successfully govern the relationship between shareholders. A shareholder agreement can include provisions covering shareholder consent provisions, share transfers and the price paid for shares, dividend policies, drag along and tag along rights.

Our corporate and commercial lawyers tailor shareholders’ agreements to suit your company’s structure and long-term goals.

Frequently asked questions about corporate and commercial law

What legal protections are provided by a shareholder agreement?

A shareholder agreement sets out the rights and obligations of each shareholder. A shareholder agreement is entirely bespoke and can protect minority interests, govern how and when shares can be transferred and for what price, outline processes for dispute resolution, decision-making, and exit strategies.

Without  a shareholder agreement, shareholder disputes may default to the Articles of Association which may not accurately reflect the intentions of the parties.

How can a solicitor assist with drafting commercial contracts?

Solicitors ensure that your commercial contracts are clear, enforceable, and legally compliant. We help structure terms to reflect your objectives, allocate risk appropriately, and avoid ambiguity that could lead to disputes. We can also negotiate favourable terms with third parties on your behalf.

What is the purpose of bank guarantees and other security documents?

Bank guarantees and security documents protect a lender’s or investor’s interests by giving them legal rights over certain assets if obligations are not met. These are often used in loan agreements, business sales, or joint ventures to ensure obligations are fulfilled. Solicitors ensure these documents are correctly drafted and enforceable.

When should a business seek advice on matters of corporate law?

Corporate legal advice should be sought at key stages: during company formation, changes to ownership, restructuring, or when issuing new shares. It’s also essential when entering into shareholder agreements, appointing or removing directors, or addressing governance matters. Proactive legal advice can prevent costly disputes and ensure legal compliance.

What is the process for reviewing and updating existing shareholders' agreements?

First, we assess the existing agreement against your current business structure and goals. Then we identify any gaps or outdated clauses, such as outdated exit terms or unclear voting rights. We’ll then propose amendments and implement an updated agreement, signed by all shareholders, to reflect the current state of the company.

How can a business ensure its commercial contracts are legally sound?

Businesses should regularly review their standard terms and bespoke agreements to ensure they remain up-to-date with the law. Working with a solicitor to draft and review contracts can help avoid common pitfalls, include suitable limitation and liability clauses, and ensure enforceability. Clear contracts reduce risk and improve relationships.

Contact our expert corporate and commercial solicitors today

If you would like to contact one of our corporate and commercial solicitors in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 02392 660261. Alternatively, please fill out this simple contact form, and we will respond promptly.