Windsor-Essex County Business Lawyers Representing Clients in Contract Negotiations

No matter the size of the venture, businesses rely on numerous contracts at every stage of their development, growth, and operation. Contracts are the roadmap for the agreement between two parties and, if properly drafted, can help avoid future costly disputes and business interruptions. However, before a contract can be signed, it is critical for the parties to understand their legal rights and obligations as set out in the agreement and to be confident their needs have been adequately incorporated into its terms.

Willis Business Law provides top-calibre representation to businesses and institutions in both the private and public sectors during contract negotiations. The firm’s innovative business law group works collaboratively with businesses to understand their needs and assertively advocates for those needs to be reflected in any final contract.

Top-Calibre Representation in All Business Contract Negotiations

Willis Business Law offers dynamic representation to clients in negotiating all contracts required for their business venture, regardless of size or complexity. The firm’s business lawyers can assist with drafting the agreement, ensuring the client understands their obligations and rights, defining and reducing their exposure to liability, and explaining the consequences of a breach.

Below are some examples of business contracts commonly negotiated and drafted by Willis Business Law on behalf of its clients.

Shareholder Agreements

A shareholder agreement can be a contract between a corporation and its shareholders or between different classes of shareholders. A shareholder agreement between shareholders and the company may address such issues as:

• Limitations placed on the corporate directors’ powers;
• The apportionment of responsibility for the directors’ liabilities;
• Supervision and oversight of the corporation’s business operations;
• The company’s decision-making processes;
• The classes of shares and shareholders; and/or
• Shareholder remedies in the event the directors or other parties fail to act in the shareholders’ or corporation’s best interests.

Skillful negotiation is required to ensure the business’ interests are adequately represented in a shareholder agreement and that the division of responsibility for overseeing the business operations is fair and manageable.

Partnership Agreements

Partnership agreements are the keystone of any business partnership and are critical for determining, among other things:

• How profits and liabilities will be shared between partners;
• The assignment of responsibility for the business’ operations;
• How disputes will be handled; and
• What happens upon the dissolution of the partnership.

Failing to address all facets of a partnership in the partnership agreement can create costly business interruptions and damage long-term business relationships. By carefully creating a collaborative, legally robust partnership agreement, the parties can be assured that there is a roadmap at the centre of their business enterprise that will guide their decision-making fairly and equitably.

Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Contracts

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can involve numerous transactions, all requiring detailed, well-structured agreements. Mergers, acquisitions, amalgamations, restructurings/reorganizations, asset and share sales, and tender offers are all forms of M&A contracts.

In most situations, mergers and acquisitions represent substantial change and upheaval to a company’s operations. They also involve significant sums of money and a high level of risk should something go awry. As a result, agreements involved in the transaction are often voluminous and complex and require considerable legal experience to ensure the parties’ rights and obligations are clearly spelled out. M&A contracts must consider all possible scenarios and potential pitfalls (including tax, employment, funding, and liability issues) as the process unfolds.

Lease Agreements

Many businesses require commercial leases to govern their use of a space, including storage or industrial leases, office and retail spaces, and ground leases. Other lease agreements can be used for procurement purposes and leasing necessary equipment.

Disputes between commercial lessors/landlords and tenants/lessees can cause business disruptions and impact an enterprise’s bottom line. Ensuring expectations, responsibilities for maintenance of the space/equipment, and determining an effective dispute resolution mechanism are crucial elements of the negotiation process for lease agreements.

Executive Employment Agreements

Executive employment agreements are typically more complex than standard employment contracts, given the additional benefits, responsibilities, and financial incentives involved with executive-level employees.

If improperly negotiated, executive employment agreements can expose employers to significant financial liability and reputational damage. Having a qualified business and employment lawyer who can anticipate potential issues before they arise ensures any resulting agreements protect the employer’s interests and help form a robust, lasting employment relationship.

Multi-Faceted, Client-Based Negotiation Services

Any business can be expected to have numerous contracts spanning multiple fields, including business and corporate-commercial law, employment and labour law, human resources, tax and finance. At Willis Business Law, clients benefit from the multi-disciplinary knowledge and experience offered by the firm’s talented roster of lawyers. In addition to the above contracts, other examples of agreements routinely negotiated by the firm on behalf of clients include:

• Joint venture agreements;
• Family business trusts;
• Tax and financial structure agreements;
• Requests for Proposal and other tendering contracts;
• Real estate contracts;
• Licencing agreements; and
• Collective bargaining agreements.

Willis Business Law: Providing Dynamic Representation in Contract Negotiations in Windsor-Essex County

The talented business lawyers of Willis Business Law are invested in their clients’ success and sculpt their contract negotiation services around each client’s particular needs. The firm offers innovative, effective representation in contract negotiations and has developed a reputation for consistently delivering top-tier results for clients. Clients can rest assured that their rights and operational needs will be reflected in each contract, minimizing the risk of costly misunderstandings and litigation.

Since its creation, Willis Business Law has expanded into one of Windsor-Essex County’s most reputable, fastest-growing business law firms. From its office overlooking the beautiful riverfront in downtown Windsor, the firm is dedicated to serving the dynamic business community throughout all surrounding areas, including Amherstburg, Chatham-Kent, Kingsville, Lakeshore, LaSalle, Leamington, Pelee, Tecumseh, and Sarnia. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call 519-945-5470 or reach out online.