Buying or Selling a Business

Expert solicitors for buying or selling a business

Practical advice for business sales and purchases

Buying or selling a business is a big step. It can be the key to future growth, succession planning, or achieving the right exit strategy. At Goughs, our team of experienced business purchase solicitors provide the guidance you need to complete your transaction with confidence.

We advise on a wide range of business sales and acquisitions, including both asset and share sales and acquisitions. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, so we’ll explain the options in plain English and help you make the decision that best suits your commercial goals.

Related reading: A quick guide to buying and selling businesses for the first time

Key Contact

Jonathan Carter-Lewis

Senior Associate

Expert solicitors for buying or selling a business

At Goughs we’re more than just legal advisors; we’re trusted partners to businesses across the South West and beyond. When you work with a business solicitor from our team, you’ll benefit from:

 A dedicated expert guiding you through every stage of the process
 Commercially focused advice designed to protect your interests
 Strong relationships with accountants, tax advisers and business agents, ensuring you get comprehensive support
 Access to our employment law specialists to handle any staff-related issues smoothly
Play Video
Meet Gemma Sumsion - Partner and Head of Corporate at Goughs Solicitors
Gemma specialises in commercial property and corporate matters acting for a range of private individuals, companies, partnerships, and financial institutions.
Play Video
Meet Jonathan Carter-Lewis - Senior Associate in the Corporate and Commercial Team.
Jonathan specialises in all areas of corporate law, including: setting up a business, buying or selling a business, corporate agreements, corporate re-structure & growth, commercial contracts.

Why legal advice is essential for buying and selling a business

Buying or selling a business involves significant legal, financial, and commercial risk. The right legal advice helps protect your interests, uncover potential issues early, and ensure the transaction is structured correctly from start to finish.

Buying a business

Purchasing a business is a major investment, and without the right guidance, it can be easy to overlook risks hidden in the fine print or wider transaction. A specialised business solicitor will carry out detailed due diligence to uncover and identify hidden risks associated with contracts, property, finances and liabilities, ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements, and protect your investment before you commit. They’ll also ensure that the agreements you sign protect your interests, that the structure of the deal works for your long-term goals, and that the transfer is legally sound.

Selling a business

When you decide to sell your business, preparation and planning are key to protecting your value. An experienced business solicitor will ensure that your contacts, financial records, and legal documents are in order before you go to market, helping avoid delays. Legal advice helps manage risk, ensure that the transaction is structured correctly, and protect you from ongoing liability after completion. Our team works with businesses of all sizes and across many sectors, tailoring advice to your unique goals and circumstances.

Speak to a solicitor

Whether you’re buying or selling a business and need expert legal advice, our team is here to help. Call, email, or visit one of our seven offices.

Call us

With seven offices around the South West of England, we have multiple offices you can call. 

Select the office to call

Email us

If you would like to drop us an email you can on info@goughs.co.uk

Visit us

With offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, you can pop in and see us. View office locations.

Your trusted legal partner

Buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, speaking with a specialist early on can make all the difference. Our approachable team of buying a business solicitors are ready to provide the support you need. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Our clients rate us as excellent

D H

Professional, responsive and communicative at all times during the time they provided legal services to our business.

Chambers & Partners

The team is exceptional at grasping complex matters.

Paul Ealey

Gemma combines sound commercial judgement with a refreshing clarity and approach.  An excellent commercial lawyer.

J B, Melksham

Very helpful, efficient friendly staff. My business matter was dealt with very well. I would be happy to recommend Goughs Solicitors.

Legal 500

The commercial property team is very responsive and efficient. They are also very nice people to deal with!

T R, Chippenham

I have dealt with Goughs on a professional level for over 10 years. I have always found them to be a diligent and trustworthy company, always willing to help when I contact them. They are truly professional and hard working people. As a result of their ongoing professionalism and friendly manner, I always recommend them to my clients.

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