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Corporate and M&A

Advisory & governance

 

We understand that business leaders are under pressure to make difficult but informed decisions quickly and are often challenged after.

Our corporate legal specialists are experienced in convening and structuring board and general meetings, including drafting minutes, advising on director duties and conduct and providing strategic support.  

“Very professional, knowledgeable and accessible lawyers.” 

Chambers and Partners

FAQs – Advisory & governance

Corporate Advisory Services is an umbrella term that encompasses specialised advice given to corporate organisations by professional advisors such as lawyers and accountants. The advice can be anything from: entity establishment to directors duties and conduct, or convening and structuring board and general meetings, drafting minutes, or providing strategic support, and preparing for sale or acquisition.

Corporate Governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Boards of directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders’ role in governance is to appoint the directors and the auditors and to satisfy themselves that an appropriate governance structure is in place.

The best practice of corporate governance has been codified in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018. The Code operates on a ‘comply or explain’ basis.

The Corporate Governance can be separated into five sections:

  1. Board Leadership and Company Purpose
  2. Division of Responsibilities
  3. Composition, Succession and Evaluation
  4. Audit, Risk and Internal Control
  5. Remuneration

Corporate governance is based on five guiding principles:

  1. Accountability
  2. Awareness
  3. Impartiality
  4. Responsibility
  5. Transparency

Although the Code is only mandatory for listed companies, all companies should have appropriate systems, policies and practices in place. Therefore, even though it is not obligatory, many businesses opt to abide with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

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Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 04 July 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Is a share buyback right for your company?

A share buyback, also known as a share repurchase, is when a company purchases its own shares and returns the value of those shares to the selling shareholder.  Effectively a share buyback is where a company invests in itself and decreases the number of shares in issue.  

Pub
  • 06 June 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Business Succession and Exit Planning – London Event

This session will cover succession planning and your exit strategy, what this means for SMEs, things you might want to consider and where to get support.

art
  • 25 May 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Management Buyout – Top 5 things to consider

A management buyout is a financial transaction in which a member of the management team purchases the company from its registered owner. MBO’s usually occur in private companies in an effort to enhance profitability and simplify strategies.

art
  • 23 March 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Top Tips for Franchise Agreements

Franchising is an enduringly popular way to enjoy the benefits of running an established business, particularly in certain sectors such as food and retail.

Pub
  • 07 March 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Business Succession and Exit Planning

This session will cover succession planning and your exit strategy, what this means for SMEs, things you might want to consider and where to get support.

art
  • 14 February 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Clarkslegal’s corporate team advises the shareholders of Independent Governance Group on sale to LDC

Led by Corporate Partners, Stuart Mullins and Ashan Arif, Clarkslegal’s corporate team advised the exiting shareholders of the Independent Governance Group on their multi-million pound sale to private equity investment firm, LDC.

“We are very pleased with the support and advice received from on the recent acquisition by BMW Group UK.  With clear, concise and timely advice and management, Ashan and his team helped us navigate through some complex arrangements and seamlessly bridged the gap between the legal and commercial issues”

Amit Kotecha, Senior Legal Counsel – BMW Legal Affairs UK & Ireland 

“I was impressed with the speed, turnaround and frequency of communication in my dealings with Stuart Mullins, in concluding my share purchase.”

Nigel Keene, Managing Director, Whiteknights Estate Agents

Ashan Arif is central to our working relationship – we have a high degree of trust and confidence in his work. He was interested in our business from the outset, clear about the firm’s capability and focus, and has provided high-value and cost-effective support.

Legal 500

“I had an excellent experience working with Stuart Mullins. He was thoughtful, pragmatic, and extremely efficient. Thank you very much for all your hard work to get the deal across the line.”

Jerry Izard, Director, Independent Optics Ltd

“Stuart and the rest of the team provided expert support during a recent corporate restructuring. We were calmly guided through the complex legal process, and realised significant additional benefits directly related to the advice provided.”

Stefan Zabel, Director, Wood Designer Ltd