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Corporate Law

Strategic corporate legal advice for growing businesses — from start-up incorporation to mergers, acquisitions and governance.
Corporate Legal Services in Melbourne

Whether you’re incorporating a new company, entering a joint venture, restructuring your corporate group or navigating a complex acquisition, having the right corporate lawyers by your side is essential.

Our team advises businesses at every stage of their lifecycle – from start-ups establishing their first company through to established enterprises undertaking significant transactions.

Our Corporate Law Services
Company Formation & Structuring
  • Corporate group structuring and restructuring
  • Constitution drafting and review
  • Class of shares structuring (ordinary, preference, employee shares)
  • Unit trust and hybrid structure establishment
  • Holding company and subsidiary arrangements
Shareholders Agreements

A well-drafted shareholders agreement is essential for any company with multiple owners.
We draft agreements that cover:

  • Voting rights and decision-making processes
  • Share transfer restrictions and pre-emptive rights
  • Drag-along and tag-along provisions
  • Deadlock resolution mechanisms
  • Restraint of trade and non-compete clauses
  • Buy-sell (shotgun) clauses
Mergers & Acquisitions

We advise on all aspects of M&A transactions, acting for both buyers and sellers:

  • Transaction structuring and strategy
  • Heads of agreement and term sheets
  • Due diligence coordination and reporting
  • Share and asset purchase agreements
  • Conditions precedent, warranties and indemnities
  • Regulatory approvals and FIRB advice
Corporate Governance
  • Director duties and obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  • Board composition and committee charters
  • Corporate policies (conflicts of interest, related party transactions)
  • ASIC compliance and regulatory advice
  • Annual general meeting (AGM) documentation
  • Officer liability and D&O insurance advice
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a shareholders agreement if I have a constitution?

Yes. A constitution governs the general operation of the company but is a public document. A shareholders agreement supplements the constitution with private, binding arrangements between shareholders — including matters the Corporations Act doesn’t adequately address such as dispute resolution, restraints of trade, and shareholder exit mechanisms. Both documents work together and should be drafted consistently.

What are my duties as a company director?

Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), directors owe duties including: the duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company; the duty to exercise care and diligence; the duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and the duty to prevent insolvent trading. Breaches can result in personal liability, civil penalties and disqualification. We advise directors on their obligations and help implement appropriate governance structures.

How long does a business acquisition typically take?

A straightforward business acquisition can complete in 4 to 8 weeks from signing heads of agreement.
More complex transactions involving regulatory approvals, significant due diligence or financing conditions can take 3 to 6 months. We work to tight timelines without compromising on the legal quality of the transaction.

Build Your Business on Solid Legal Foundations
From incorporation to acquisition, our corporate lawyers protect your interests at every stage.
Book a Free Consultation
Call (03) 9034 6464