Search

How can we help?

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.

Key contacts

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 17 November 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Should AI delete humans out of the legal sphere?

AI could potentially streamline routine legal tasks. However, there are consequences to consider when it comes to AI in the legal sphere.

art
  • 14 November 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

A Brief Reminder of the Separate Legal Personality of Companies, Limited Liability and Derivative Claims

It is long-established under English law that private companies limited by shares have separate legal personality to their shareholders and directors.

Pub
  • 09 November 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

How to sell my business

Join Nicky Goringe Larkin, Managing Director at Succession Planning, and Stuart Mullins, Corporate Partner at Clarkslegal, for an online webinar where they will discuss selling and buying a business, the options available, and where to get support.

art
  • 08 October 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

When do Company Directors have to consider creditors?

Due to the economic challenges the UK is currently facing, it is especially important for company directors to consider and uphold the directors duties imposed on them by the law.

art
  • 11 September 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Changes to the tax treatment of Employee Ownership Trusts

The government published a consultation on 18 July 2023 seeking the public’s views on its proposals to reform the tax treatment of Employee Ownership Trusts and Employee Benefit Trusts. Parties are invited to express their opinions via email via the government website until the consultation closes on 25 September 2023.

Pub
  • 17 August 2023
  • Corporate and M&A

Succession and exit planning: What you need to know – Reading

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

“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 Clarkslegal’s corporate team led by 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