Buying or Selling a Business.

Legal Support for Buying or Selling a Business

Whether you are buying or selling a business, sound legal advice helps protect your interests, manage risk, and support a smooth transaction. We work alongside your accountant and other advisers to ensure the process is legally sound and commercially aligned.

Buying a Business

We help buyers understand the full picture before proceeding. Our support includes:

• Reviewing sale and purchase agreements

• Identifying legal, financial, and regulatory risks

• Reviewing lease terms, employment matters, and operational liabilities

• Clarifying compliance obligations and transition steps

Selling a Business

For vendors, we assist with preparing for a clean and confident sale. This includes:

• Drafting and reviewing sale and purchase agreements

• Managing disclosures, warranties, and due diligence

• Coordinating with brokers and advisers

• Supporting a smooth settlement process

Choosing Between Asset and Share Sales

We guide you through the key differences between an asset sale and a share sale, considering:

• Business type and ownership structure

• Industry and regulatory requirements

• Risk exposure and strategic goals for the buyer or seller

We tailor our advice to the nature of your transaction and your long-term objectives.

Where We Work

Our commercial law team is based in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton, working with business owners across New Zealand. Whether you are planning to grow through acquisition or preparing for sale, we provide practical legal guidance you can rely on.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Business Sales & Purchases

What is the difference between an asset sale and a share sale?

An asset sale involves transferring selected business assets and liabilities, while a share sale transfers ownership of the company itself. We help you understand the legal and commercial implications of each option and what best fits your goals.

What should I look for during due diligence?

We help you review key legal areas such as contracts, leases, employment matters, intellectual property, and potential liabilities to give you a clear view of the risks and obligations involved in the purchase.

Do I need a lawyer to draft or review a sale agreement?

Yes. A well-drafted agreement protects your interests and sets clear expectations. We review or prepare agreements to ensure they cover warranties, responsibilities, and legal safeguards for both buyers and sellers.

How can I reduce risk as a seller?

We support you in preparing clear disclosures, structuring the agreement to limit liability, and ensuring that the terms are fair and enforceable. Our aim is to reduce the likelihood of disputes after the sale is complete.