Company, Partnership & Regulatory Advice

Whatever size or type of business you are, we can offer expert advice on corporate issues that is as commercially robust as it is legally sound.

Wide ranging expertise

We are experienced in providing corporate advice to all types of businesses, including plc’s, limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. We also advise organisations in the charity and voluntary sectors, particularly those with trading subsidiaries.

Independent recognition

The quality of our advice in corporate and commercial law is independently recognised by The Legal 500.

Testimonials published in The Legal 500 (2025 edition):

‘The team at Harrowells are a perfect size. Big enough to have the coverage and expertise we need, but small enough for us to feel we know all involved and that we are an important client.’

‘Matthew Rowley was exceptional and a real pleasure to work with. I would recommend him without hesitation.’

Recent case studies

Complex buy-in negotiated to boost sale value of niche professional services business

We acted for the seller of a niche professional services business that required negotiation and agreement of a complex buy-in. This has enabled external investment and expertise to be brought into the business to leverage commercial potential and so boost the eventual consideration for the seller. The investment included future options to purchase an increased shareholding percentage with complex considerations around triggers for the option to be exercised and the valuation of the additional sale shares based on future growth.

De-merger of existing partnership involving complex share-for-share exchange

We advised on the de-merger of a high value, large scale partnership which required a complex share-for-share exchange together with significant renegotiation of multiple contractual arrangements with international customers and suppliers due to change of control provisions.

Complex share-for-share and asset transfers to facilitate exit from business partnership

We advised an established haulage business on a share-for-share exchange between partners to facilitate the amicable exit of one party whilst securing the future of the trading business. Given the significance of property assets within the partnership, the agreement relied heavily on deferred consideration and security, which added to the complexity of the negotiations.

Advised on the creation of a UK agent network for an Asian medical device manufacturer

We acted for the manufacturer of specialist cardiovascular medical devices, headquartered in Asia and with subsidiary companies across Europe, looking to outsource their in-house UK sales function. We advised on the management of IP and NHS purchasing requirements, created templates for the recruitment of agents, allowing our client to reduce overheads and gain flexibility in growing their sales network.

Practical context

Developing an understanding of your organisation and its aims are crucial in providing appropriate advice, which we always put into a wider, commercial context.

We can advise on:

• Corporate structures and governance
• Directors’, partners’ or trustees’ responsibilities
• Regulatory & statutory compliance
• ‘Hot topic’ issues such as data protection compliance
• Brands, trademarks and other IP-related issues

Whilst many of our clients are based within our Yorkshire heartland, many are not. We have a reputation for delivering highly responsive and pragmatic advice, whatever your location.

If you are based more locally, you can meet with our company lawyers at any of our offices in York and across Yorkshire, so simply contact your nearest Harrowells office in York, St Saviourgate, Clifton Moor, Easingwold, Haxby, Pocklington, Malton, and Thirsk.