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Business transactions often involve significant financial commitments and binding contractual obligations. Whether a company is being acquired, new partners are joining the business, or ownership arrangements are being formalised, careful legal structuring is essential. Clear agreements reduce uncertainty, allocate risk appropriately and establish practical mechanisms for managing future change.

At Maguire & McInerney, we provide strategic advice on commercial transactions and business structuring matters. Our work frequently involves reviewing corporate records, preparing transaction documentation and advising on compliance obligations under legislation such as the Corporations Act 2001. We act for business owners, directors and investors across Wollongong and the Illawarra in both advisory and dispute-related matters.

Our Commercial Transactions & Structuring Services

Our lawyers assist businesses with a range of transactional and structuring matters. Each matter is approached with a focus on risk allocation, regulatory compliance and practical commercial outcomes.

Buying or Selling a Business

The purchase or sale of a business involves the transfer of assets, goodwill, contracts and employees. These transactions require careful due diligence and precise contractual drafting to ensure liabilities are properly addressed and settlement proceeds smoothly.

Our team advises buyers and sellers throughout the transaction process, including contract preparation, negotiation and completion management.

Commercial Contracts & Agreements

Commercial contracts regulate the legal rights and obligations between businesses, suppliers, partners and customers. Well-structured agreements reduce the likelihood of disputes and provide certainty if enforcement becomes necessary.

We assist businesses in preparing and reviewing commercial agreements that reflect operational realities while ensuring enforceability under Australian law.

Shareholder & Partnership Agreements

Where a business has multiple owners, a clear agreement is critical to define decision-making authority, profit distribution and exit rights. Without a properly drafted agreement, disputes between partners or shareholders can quickly escalate and disrupt business operations.

Our lawyers advise on preparing and reviewing shareholder and partnership agreements that establish clear governance structures and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Business Succession Planning

Succession planning addresses how ownership and management of a business will transition over time. This may involve preparing agreements governing the transfer of shares, business assets or management control.

Careful planning ensures continuity for the business while protecting the interests of owners and their families.

Our Approach to Commercial Transactions

We approach commercial transactions by identifying legal and financial risk before agreements are finalised. Transaction documents are drafted with enforceability in mind, ensuring obligations are clear and disputes can be resolved efficiently if they arise.

Our team combines transactional experience with litigation insight. This allows us to anticipate potential areas of dispute and structure agreements that reduce exposure to future claims.

If you require legal advice on business transactions, commercial agreements or ownership structuring, contact our commercial lawyers to discuss your circumstances.

Steps To Get Started

Reach Out

Whether it’s phone, email, or dropping by our Wollongong office, book a date to sit down with one of our team.

Make a Plan

Understanding where you are coming from, and what you are looking to achieve means that our lawyers can craft the best course of action.

Take Action

Whether it’s litigation or mediation, our team of experts have decades of experience in and outside of the courtroom and are committed to reaching the best possible outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A commercial lawyer can draft and negotiate agreements that allocate risk appropriately and ensure enforceability if disputes arise.

Commercial transactions include business sales, shareholder arrangements, commercial contracts and other agreements governing business operations.

Many transactions involving companies are regulated by the Corporations Act 2001, which governs company operations, director duties and shareholder rights.

Legal advice should be obtained before signing binding documents such as contracts for sale of business, shareholder agreements or partnership agreements.

They define ownership rights, decision-making authority and exit mechanisms, helping prevent disputes between business partners.

Our Business & Commercial Law Team

Mark McDonald

Partner

Brendan Pearce

Partner

What Our Clients Say

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Enquire online, or call us today, and we will help you explore all your options. Your enquiry is completely confidential.