Practical Corporate Legal Advice for SMEs

At Davenport Solicitors, we advise business owners, directors and investors on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.

We provide clear, commercially focused legal support to small and medium-sized businesses across England and Wales, whether you are buying a business, selling a company, bringing in shareholders, or protecting your commercial interests through properly drafted agreements.

Our approach is straightforward, responsive and cost-conscious, with transparent pricing wherever possible.

Our Corporate Services

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

We advise SMEs on business acquisitions, disposals and restructures, including:

• Share sales and asset sales
• Buying or selling owner-managed businesses
• Management buy-outs
• Due diligence support
• Negotiating deal terms
• Drafting and negotiating Share Purchase Agreements (SPAs)
• Completion and post-completion matters

We understand that many SME transactions are owner-led and time-sensitive. Our role is to protect your position while keeping the transaction moving efficiently.

Heads of Terms / Letters of Intent

A well-drafted Heads of Terms document can prevent costly disputes later in the transaction.

We assist with:

• drafting Heads of Terms,
• reviewing draft terms prepared by the other side,
• exclusivity provisions,
• confidentiality clauses,
• deal structure and payment provisions,
• earn-outs and deferred consideration.

Clear Heads of Terms establish the commercial framework for the transaction and help avoid misunderstandings as negotiations progress.

Shareholder Agreements

A Shareholder Agreement is one of the most important documents for any growing business.

We draft bespoke agreements covering:

• shareholder rights and responsibilities,
• decision-making powers,
• dividend arrangements,
• director appointments,
• deadlock provisions,
• share transfers,
• restrictive covenants,
• exit arrangements,
• minority shareholder protection.

Whether you are starting a new venture, taking investment, or formalising an existing arrangement, we can help ensure the business is properly protected.

Corporate Governance & Business Structuring

We also advise on:

• company formation and restructuring,
• director duties,
• constitutional documents,
• articles of association,
• partnership and LLP arrangements,
• corporate compliance,
• commercial contracts.

Why Choose Davenport Solicitors?

• Practical advice tailored to SMEs
• Transparent and competitive pricing
• Clear communication without unnecessary legal jargon
• Responsive service with direct solicitor contact
• Commercially focused approach to negotiations

We understand that SME clients want legal advice that is commercially realistic, proportionate and efficient.