This area covers the buying, selling and ongoing management of a business’s assets in England, including goodwill, plant and machinery, stock, intellectual property, licences, and associated contracts. A solicitor drafts and negotiates asset purchase agreements, assigns or novates contracts, and arranges necessary consents, leases, and registrations. They review due diligence, advise on warranties, prepare or update disclosure schedules, and coordinate VAT, Stamp Duty land tax, and other transactional fees. They also handle post-completion adjustments and protect the client’s rights in ongoing trading arrangements.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
The work involves drafting detailed asset purchase terms, reviewing and drafting assignments of contracts, negotiating warranties and indemnities, and coordinating registrations and consents to transfer business assets. It requires handling due diligence, title checks, and potential landlord or supplier negotiations, with attention to tax implications and post-completion adjustments to ensure a clear transfer of value and ongoing operations.
