Mergers & Acquisitions

Expert Mergers & Acquisitions Solicitors for Buyers & Sellers

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Mergers & Acquisitions at Woodstock Legal Services


Buying or selling a business is one of the most significant decisions an owner can make. Whether it’s a share purchase or an asset purchase, careful planning, thorough due diligence and well-negotiated terms are essential to protect your interests and achieve a successful deal. Woodstock Legal Services advises buyers, sellers and investors on transactions across England and Wales.


Our corporate lawyers advise on share purchases and sales, asset purchases and sales, mergers, management buy-outs, heads of terms, legal due diligence, sale and purchase agreements, warranties, indemnities and disclosure, and completion and post-completion matters.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who understands your commercial objectives, explains each stage in plain English and works closely with your accountants and advisers to keep the deal on track to completion.


Buying a Business


When you buy a business, you need to know exactly what you’re taking on. Thorough due diligence helps uncover potential risks and liabilities, such as issues with contracts, employees, property or intellectual property, before you commit.


Our lawyers carry out legal due diligence and report to you on any issues that need your attention. We then negotiate the sale and purchase agreement to protect your position, including warranties, indemnities and any price adjustments. We advise on the differences between buying shares and buying assets, and work closely with our employment and commercial property teams on TUPE and property matters.


We’ll help you understand the risks and agree terms that protect your investment.


Selling a Business


Selling your business is often the result of years of hard work, and preparing well can make a real difference to the outcome. A smooth sale process helps maintain buyer confidence and protect the value of the deal.


Our corporate lawyers help you prepare for sale by identifying and resolving potential issues early. We negotiate the heads of terms and sale agreement, limit your exposure under warranties and indemnities, and prepare the disclosure letter. We also manage the completion process. We work closely with your accountants and other advisers throughout.


Whether you’re planning a full exit or selling part of your business, we’ll help you achieve a successful sale on the right terms.

Get in Touch With Our Commercial & Contract Team

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Mergers & Acquisitions FAQs

  • What is the difference between a share purchase and an asset purchase?

    In a share purchase, the buyer acquires the company itself, including all its assets and liabilities, past and present. In an asset purchase, the buyer chooses specific assets, such as equipment, contracts or goodwill, and usually leaves most liabilities behind. Each has different legal and tax implications, so it’s important to get advice early.

  • What is due diligence?

    Due diligence is the process of investigating a business before buying it, covering areas such as its contracts, employees, property, intellectual property, disputes and compliance. It helps the buyer identify risks and negotiate appropriate protections in the sale agreement. Financial and tax due diligence is usually carried out by accountants.

  • What are warranties and indemnities?

    Warranties are statements made by the seller about the business, such as its accounts, contracts and liabilities. If a warranty turns out to be untrue, the buyer may be able to claim damages. Indemnities provide pound-for-pound protection against specific identified risks. Sellers can limit their exposure through the disclosure letter and agreed limitations.

  • What are heads of terms?

    Heads of terms set out the main commercial terms of a deal, such as the price, structure and timetable, before the formal documents are drafted. They’re usually not legally binding, except for certain provisions such as confidentiality and exclusivity. Getting them right helps the transaction run smoothly.

  • How long does it take to buy or sell a business?

    It depends on the size and complexity of the deal, the amount of due diligence required and how quickly the parties can agree on terms. Smaller transactions can be completed within a couple of months, while larger or more complex deals can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timetable at the outset.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our commercial and corporate solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re negotiating a deal or reviewing a contract, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Commercial Advice That Fits Your Business

We focus on your commercial goals, not just the legal detail. With specialists across corporate, commercial, property, employment and disputes, you’ll get practical, joined-up advice that helps your business grow with confidence.