The Complete Legal Guide to Buying or Selling a Business: How Haigh’s Solicitors Supports You Every Step of the Way

Selling or acquiring a business is a major milestone, often representing years of hard work, strategic planning and financial investment. Whether you’re looking to cash out, expand your enterprise, or acquire a new venture, the process of business sales and acquisitions can be legally complex, emotionally taxing and financially high-stakes.

At Haigh’s Solicitors, we don’t just manage the legal paperwork, we act as your strategic legal partner, guiding you through every phase of the transaction with clarity, precision and confidence. While many law firms focus on telling you how great they are, we prefer to focus on you, your goals, your concerns and your peace of mind.

Why Legal Support is Critical in Business Sales and Acquisitions

The sale or purchase of a business involves much more than a simple agreement between buyer and seller. Each transaction comes with its own set of legal risks, contractual obligations, tax implications and commercial considerations.

Here’s what’s typically involved:

• Heads of Terms: The initial agreement outlining key aspects of the deal.

• Due Diligence: A detailed investigation into the business being sold, including its finances, contracts, liabilities, assets, and regulatory compliance.

• Drafting and Negotiation of Contracts: Including the sale agreement, warranties, indemnities, disclosure letters, and more.

• Employment Law Issues: Including Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment and redundancy liabilities.

• Regulatory and Licensing Requirements: Depending on the sector (e.g., healthcare, financial services, food & beverage).

• Tax Advice and Structuring: How the deal is structured can significantly affect tax liability.

• Completion and Post-Completion Matters: Filing with Companies House, notifying stakeholders, and managing transitional arrangements.
   

Every one of these steps requires experienced legal guidance to protect your interests and ensure the deal goes smoothly.

Tailored Legal Services for Business Buyers and Sellers

At Haigh’s Solicitors, we offer a comprehensive and tailored service for both buyers and sellers in business transactions, including:

✅ Business Sales

• Selling a limited company or sole trader business

• Asset sales and share sales

• Preparing your business for sale (including legal audits)

• Drafting and negotiating sale agreements

• Managing due diligence and disclosure

• Dealing with employee transfers under TUPE

• Post-sale restrictive covenants and liability protections
   

✅ Business Acquisitions

• Buying an existing business or commercial property

• Carrying out legal due diligence to uncover hidden liabilities

• Reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and leases

• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations

• Structuring deals for maximum tax efficiency

• Coordinating with lenders, accountants, and brokers
   

We handle transactions of all sizes, from small family-run businesses to large commercial acquisitions and across a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing and professional services.

Our Approach: Straightforward, Strategic, Client-Focused

We know that legal jargon and slow responses can make a stressful process even worse. That’s why we keep things simple, responsive and focused on what really matters, getting the deal done on terms that work for you.

When you choose Haigh’s Solicitors, you can expect:

• Clear, practical advice without legalese

• Fast response times and regular updates

• Tailored support based on your business needs

• Transparent fees and no hidden costs

• A dedicated legal expert managing your file from start to finish

Why Choose Haigh’s Solicitors?

We’ve helped countless business owners successfully navigate sales, mergers, acquisitions, and restructures. Whether you’re planning to exit your business or scale up by acquiring a competitor, our expert legal team is here to help you avoid the pitfalls, protect your interests, and complete your deal with confidence.

Based in West Yorkshire, we serve clients locally and nationally with a reputation for personal service, technical excellence, and straight-talking legal advice.

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Business? Let’s Talk.

If you're considering a business sale or purchase, or you just want to explore your options, we’d be happy to discuss your situation in confidence.

📞 Call us: 01924 489197
📧 Email: nick@haighssolicitors.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.haighssolicitors.co.uk

Let us take the legal stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on your next big move.