Corporate advisory & start up

We provide a full service to help you set up in business including advice on appropriate business vehicles, company formation, and advising on all ancillary matters such as share allotments, shareholders agreements and company director appointments.

We also regularly advise directors, shareholders, investors and institutions on all aspects of company law and procedure including corporate governance, the buy back or redemption of shares or loan notes, and shareholder disputes.

We aim to continue working with you as your business develops, providing commercially driven, solution-led advice and assistance wherever necessary.

Company Law Reform

After many years of consultation, the Companies Bill (formally known as the Company Law Reform), is set to bring about ‘deregulatory changes’ and other fundamental revisions to company law in England and Wales.

The Bill, which is expected to come into force in spring/autumn 2007, repeals and restates the greater part of the existing companies legislation (including the Companies Act 1985 which is the primary piece of company legislation currently in force).

The Bill includes provisions relating to directors' duties, auditors' liability, share capital and capital maintenance, and voting rights.

The Bill is also intended to simplify the legal regime as it applies to private companies and will affect all companies, and their internal functions.

Further information is contained in our Company Law Reform Guidance Note (link to Guidance Note pdf). If you would like specific advice on the implications for your own business, please contact Richard Hiscoke (link to rhiscoke@vwl.co.uk).

Work experience/case studies:

• We advised a property investment client on the buy-back of shares held by one of its 2 shareholders. This solution was adopted as a means of settling a dispute between the 2 shareholders, which would have ultimately crippled the development and growth of the business.
• Advising an IT start up on the buy back of shares held by a departing shareholder.
• We advised a shareholder on the £12.5 million buy back of his shares in a leading Cambridgeshire transport business.