What We Do

We at Matthews Dooley & Gibson have extensive experience in all aspects of Business Law, having devoted a significant part of our practice to developing that area of law within the firm for over 30 years.

Our Business Law team comprises two partners and four solicitors together with support staff.

Our team is available to assist you in all areas of Business Law, including:

Providing advice to you as to the most suitable structure required when first establishing your business; Creating and developing your Business Plan; Developing your terms of trade; Drafting employment contracts; Preparing and advising on Commercial Agreements; and Business succession planning.

Our aim is to provide you with quality, plain English legal advice which will give you a better understanding of your business and which, in turn, will assist you in operating your Business more efficiently.

Buying or Selling a Business

When buying or selling a business it is essential that your interests are fully and properly protected. As a Purchaser, you want to ensure that the Vendor transfers every portion of the business to you, that you receive the whole of the business unencumbered, that you acquire comprehensive warranties and indemnities from the Vendor and that, of course, you obtain clear title from the Vendor.

Conversely, if you are selling a business, you want to ensure that the Purchaser enters into a binding Contract and that you do not retain any liability for the business after the sale has been completed.

Of course, it is in each party's interests that GST, capital gains tax, stamp duty and a myriad of other implications are properly dealt with in the Contract documents.

Therefore, when buying or selling a business, you should seek our expertise at Matthews Dooley & Gibson and we will advise you on all aspects of the transaction, including but not limited to:

• The Contract for Sale of Business;
• Lease of Premises;
• Equipment Lease or Licence;
• Transfer of Business Name;
• Franchise Agreement;
• Employees;
• Stock;
• Tax implications including GST, Capital Gains Tax and stamp duty;
• Apportionment of Price;
• Protection of Goodwill;
• Service Agreements; and
• Liquor Law and Licensing.

Businesses are often conducted under a company structure and the business, or part of it, is sometimes transferred by way of a sale of shares. Again, we at Matthews Dooley & Gibson have a wealth of experience in dealing with corporate transfers, restructures or mergers and as well as advising you in relation to the matters listed above, we can assist you with:

• Share Sale Agreements;
• Shareholders Agreements;
• Buy/Sell Agreements (dealing with Put and Call Options between shareholders).

Other Related Matters

As part of our comprehensive service to clients in the area of Business Law, we at Matthews Dooley & Gibson also provide advice in relation to the following matters:

• Business information and structuring;
• Corporations Law including directors' responsibilities;
• Partnership Agreements;
• Financing of Business assets;
• Franchising;
• Commercial Agreements;
• Distribution and Licensing Agreements;
• Employment Law;
• Intellectual Property;
• Joint Ventures;
• Mergers and Acquisitions;
• Trade Practices and consumer protection;
• Liquor Law and Licensing; and
• Leasing of Premises.

For further information on our Business Law services, please contact us.