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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.

Key contacts

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

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  • 12 October 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Corporate Transparency and Register Reform

Following lengthy consultation that began in May 2019, the Government has now published its response to proposed changes to the role of Companies House, and increased corporate transparency amongst companies and legal entities. The consultation was vast, 1320 formal and unique responses were submitted.

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  • 06 August 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Business Angel Investment in a post COVID-19 landscape: For Growing Companies

This article sets out the key themes covered in the Clarkslegal webinar. The webinar was hosted by Stuart Mullins, of Clarkslegal LLP, Steve Royffe, of the Dorset Business Angels.Angel Investing is equity finance where a high net worth individual (the “Angel”) or, syndicate/group of Angels, takes shares in your business in return for funds.

Pub
  • 28 July 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Series A – Equity Investment Landscape

In the second of our series on different stages of funding through the business life cycle, this webinar by Stuart Mullins, Clarkslegal, and venture capital investor Naoki Kamimaeda, Global Brains explores the Series A equity investment.

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  • 09 July 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Had Enough? Winding your Business Down through the use of an MVL

The coronavirus pandemic has forced businesses to consider the way they operate and, in some instances, consider whether they have the ability to operate at all. Similarly, there will be many business owners who feel the risk of further pandemics in the future or business fatigue

Pub
  • 11 June 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Business Angel Investment in a post COVID-19 landscape: For Growing Companies

The lifeblood of capital for start-up and SME businesses is through equity funding and the future of the succession and growth of these businesses require equity investment.

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  • 09 March 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Warranties and Indemnities in Share Purchase and Asset Purchase Agreements

The terms “warranties” “representations” and indemnities” are frequently used throughout the sale of assets or the sale of shares process.

“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