Services for Business
The Sale and Purchase of Businesses
Practical advice for buyers and sellers
Buying or selling a business is a significant milestone. Whether you are planning an exit, expanding your operations, or investing in a new opportunity, the process can be complex and requires careful legal guidance.
At Paytons Solicitors, we provide clear, practical advice to support you through every stage of a business sale or purchase, helping you achieve a smooth and successful outcome.
How we can help
We advise on a wide range of transactions, including:
Sale and purchase of private companies
Asset sales and share sales
Business disposals and acquisitions
Management buy-outs and buy-ins
Partnership changes and business restructures
We work closely with you and your other advisers to ensure the transaction progresses efficiently and with minimal disruption.
For sellers
If you are selling your business, our priority is to protect your interests while ensuring the process runs smoothly.
We can assist with:
Structuring the transaction (asset sale or share sale)
Preparing and negotiating sale documentation
Managing due diligence enquiries
Advising on warranties, indemnities and liabilities
Liaising with accountants, agents and buyers’ solicitors
Ensuring a secure and timely completion
Our aim is to help you achieve the best possible outcome and a clean exit.
For buyers
Purchasing a business requires careful planning and a full understanding of what you are taking on.
We provide:
Comprehensive legal due diligence
Review of contracts, employees, and liabilities
Advice on risks and potential exposure
Support with financing arrangements (where applicable)
Negotiation of terms to protect your position
We ensure you have a clear picture of the business before you commit.
Key considerations
Every transaction is different, but common issues include:
Whether the deal is structured as a share sale or asset purchase
Employee rights and TUPE considerations
Existing contracts and obligations
Tax implications
Ongoing liabilities and risk allocation
We guide you through these issues in plain English, so you can make informed decisions at every stage.
Why legal advice matters
Business transactions involve significant legal and commercial risk. Early and proactive legal advice can:
Identify and manage potential risks
Avoid delays and costly complications
Ensure the deal reflects your objectives
Provide confidence throughout the process
Our fees
Hourly rates:
| Solicitors/Legal Executives/TEPs with over eight years’ experience/Heads of Department | £280/hour |
| Solicitors/Legal Executives/TEPs with over four years’ experience | £240/hour |
| Other Solicitors/Legal Executives and Fee Earners of equivalent experience | £200/hour |
| Trainee Solicitors/Paralegals | £142/hour |
All of the above prices are subject to VAT @ 20%.
"Always great service received, friendly, courteous, professional and caring – no improvement required."
The Sale and Purchase of Businesses Team
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At the heart of Paytons is a commitment to building lasting relationships based on trust, transparency, and results.