Getting into the details to make a deal work
A big part of my role as a corporate lawyer has been listening to clients explain the commercial terms they want in their deals. The next step is asking the right questions that make those terms work in the real world. Sometimes the parties have a general idea of the …
Founder Exit: Legal Checklist to Avoid Delays
Before buyers commit, their lawyers will conduct legal due diligence that may uncover gaps or non-compliance which delay the founder’s exit or reduce the price. This list helps founders/ sellers resolve common legal issues before they’re flagged in legal due diligence. Share Capital & Shareholders Have all past share allotments …
Founders selling for the first time need more than high-level legal advice
Some founders selling their businesses for the first time are not sure where legal advice is needed or how deep that advice should go. In past deals where I acted for buyers, I have seen: – A founder who asked their lawyer for a “high-level review” of sale and purchase …
When do you need a shareholders’ agreement?
It should be before there’s conflict, not after. The ideal time is: • when the business is starting out; or • when there is a new shareholder. Without it, even strong relationships can break down when there are changes. I’ve seen it happen when one corporate shareholder changes management. The …
Investing in Malaysia: What Foreign Investors Need to Know
For businesses entering the Malaysian market for the first time, navigating the appropriate corporate structure, equity and local ownership conditions, and directorship requirements can feel like a maze. Many of these requirements aren’t fully set out in legislation. Instead, they’re found in sectoral guidelines, policy documents, licensing pre-conditions, or included …