Are you planning to buy a business in 2025?

Buying A Business

At Lawson West, we specialise in business acquisitions, advising companies across various different industries in Leicestershire and beyond.

If you are planning to buy a business, or currently in negotiations to do so, sellers may wish to complete deals before tax changes in April 2025. As the legal side of a purchase typically take 3 months, deadlines will be fast approaching.

Acquiring a business involves important decisions that require careful consideration. We have outlined some of these below.

Should I purchase the Shares or Assets?

You should decide this at the outset, as it will determine the structure of the deal. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, but asset purchases are generally seen as more “buyer-friendly”. We discuss this at greater length here.

What Due Diligence should I undertake?

Investigating the business you are buying is a key part of any purchase. Effective due diligence will identify liabilities, pinpoint risks and, ultimately, help you decide whether to proceed or re-negotiate.

For more detailed guidance see here.

What warranties and indemnities do I need?

These are contractual protection for a buyer in the main purchase agreement. Warranties are statements of truth given about the business and indemnities are strong buyer protection for specific risks you require the sellers to be responsible for.

For a more detailed explanation please see here.

What restrictions can I put on the Seller?

Purchase agreements often include clauses restricting the seller’s actions post-completion; typically to prevent competition post-completion. Such restrictions need to be reasonable and protect legitimate business interests to be enforceable.

How Lawson West Can Help

Purchasing a business can be a complex process, but with an experienced team by your side, it is far easier. We look to ensure that every deal is as fair, pragmatic and commercial as possible and aligned with your best interests.

Contact Us as soon as possible so that we can work towards your intended timeline, in close collaboration with your accountant and other professional advisers.

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