Search

How can we help?

Corporate and M&A

Technology & start-ups lawyers in London and Thames Valley

 

We understand the difficulties facing start-ups and early-stage ventures. Our depth of experience gives us the knowhow to advise clients effectively and efficiently and help them grow and achieve their ambitions.

Our vast network of contacts allows us to make suitable and often significant introductions 

“Very professional, knowledgeable and accessible lawyers.” 

Chambers and Partners

Key contacts

Read, listen and watch our latest insights

art
  • 07 February 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Investor Relief

The Finance Act 2016 introduced investor relief which is essentially a tax relief for Capital Gains in a similar way to the operation of Entrepreneurs Relief. On qualification any capital gain is reduced from the usual capital gains rate – currently 20% to 10%.

art
  • 07 February 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

What does the new decade herald for EMI Option Schemes?

The Enterprise Management Initiative (EMI) option scheme is a tax efficient incentive scheme designed to incentivise employees by enjoying the rewards of growth and business success usually on a sale

art
  • 07 February 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Director’s Duties Can Survive Insolvency Process

In the recent high court case Re Systems Building Services Group Ltd , there was considerable debate and judgement made on whether a director’s general duties, as outlined in section 171 to 177 of the Companies Act 2006, survive a company’s entry into a formal insolvency process.

art
  • 14 January 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Lending money to Directors

It is not unusual for a Company to lend money to a director of a Company, nor is it unlawful. However, there are a number of points to consider, including declarations of interest and how this sits with the constitution of the Company and a directors’ statutory duties generally and also the treatment of the loan from a tax perspective – not only for the director but the Company too.

art
  • 14 January 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Removing a Director under the Companies Act

The Companies Act 2006 contains a right for members of the Company to seek the removal of a director from office by convening a general meeting of its members and passing an ordinary resolution. This provision is seen as sacrosanct in the Companies Act 2006 – any attempt to exclude this right in the Companies articles of association would be unenforceable.

art
  • 14 January 2020
  • Corporate and M&A

Share buybacks and payments

The concept of share buybacks is a useful one. The ability for a company to buy back its own shares is seen as a useful tool for capital re-organisations and a tax efficient way in which to remove a shareholder or class of shareholders.

“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

“We would recommend Clarkslegal as a leading corporate legal advisor in UK M&A due to their ability to work under a closed budget while keeping the highest professional standards and delivering a top professional advise under total availability, impressive technical-legal know-how and capacity to focus on the key matters at stake.”

Santiago Corredoira-Jack , Partner, Granahan McCourt Capital

“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