Corporate and Business Law Services

Ramsden Lawyers' Corporate & Business advisors target Small to Medium Enterprises (SME's) as relationship clients that grow with the firm, providing advice in areas of business development, employment, structures, fundraising, structured and hybrid transactions as well as commercial property transactions. Businesses at all stages of growth should take advantage of the skill and experience that is offered by our Corporate & Business Advisory team in these important areas that add value to SME's if structured correctly and early.

Many SME's overlook the importance of protecting and structuring intellectual property assets integral to successful business such as trademarks & brands, copyright, business systems and trade secrets. Ramsden Lawyers has provided structuring advice to national property developers, franchise chains and retail and professional service providers, to protect these valued assets that are at the core of any business.

Ramsden Lawyers advises and develops national franchise models for successful emerging businesses in many industries including health & fitness, restaurant & hospitality, liquor & gaming, professional & investment services and marketing & IT development. No matter the concept, Ramsden Lawyers can structure a franchise model and provide disclosure management that ensures increased revenue, quality control, and effective management of major franchises.

Our Corporate Advisors provide skilled advice in relation to subscribing to and setting up Managed Investment Schemes, Financial Services and Property Funds or Trusts. Regulation of these investments and securities is heavily regulated and requires quality professional advice.

Ramsden Lawyers also works as professional advisors to Australian Public Companies that are either listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or are unlisted or proceeding towards a listed float with a published prospectus. Ramsden Lawyers can assist companies with all aspects of fundraising and capital raising at any level and can acquaint clients with its network of strategic partners such as underwriters, independent directors, auditors, advisors and accountants. Ramsden Lawyers can assist in drafting Information Memorandums, Business Plans, Small Offer Documents and full prospectus' tailored to any company and its objectives.

Initial Public Offerings (IPO)

IPOs in recent years have been appointed to assist businesses obtain venture capital or established companies to finance expansion through public equity. Ramsden Lawyers can assist you in determining the most appropriate structure for your IPO arrangement in order to successfully attract institutional and professional investors. Our corporate advisory team will assess your company to determine whether the minimum admission criteria set by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) can be satisfied.

Listed public companies are required to satisfy stringent compliance obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the ASX listing rules including ongoing reporting requirements. Our team will advise you on these obligations and introduce suitable licensed underwriters, sub-underwriters, and licensed stockbrokers to participate in the IPO. If necessary, we will introduce suitable intermediaries including specialist consultants and private wealth investors. We will continuously liaise with the professional advisers on your behalf to ensure a smooth transition from a private or unlisted public company to a listed public company.

Mergers and acquisitions

Our Corporate advisory team is able to provide you with comprehensive advice throughout the acquisition process. Our team can assist by performing Due Diligence assessment to determine an appropriate acquisition strategy and acquisition target. We will negotiate with the acquisition target on your behalf to ensure that the merger or acquisition will benefit your firm's operational or financial situation. Our team will further assist in structuring the resulting company in order to maximise operational efficiency. Our diverse skill and experience will ensure you a smooth integration in order for you to exploit the tangible benefits of market credibility and brand protection.

Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance is a multi-faceted area of practice. Directors are responsible for the corporate governance of their Company by guiding and monitoring the business affairs of the Company on behalf of the shareholders whilst simultaneously promoting ethical and responsible decision making. Implementing a systematic corporate governance structure within your business will promote and maintain investor confidences both in Australia and overseas. Our corporate advisory team can establish and administer a suitable compliance and corporate governance regime and further advise you on Corporations Act and ASX recommendations and requirements.

Our team will commit substantial resources in developing and implementing a systematic corporate governance structure to ensure it is successful and takes full advantage of the diverse skill and experience within our team.

Capital Raisings

When it comes to capital raising, society generally fails to demystify the challenges associated with finding innovative ways to raise capital. Our team can assist corporations and small to medium businesses in raising capital by providing innovative ideas to facilitate the issuing of preferred securities, bonds and ordinary securities. Our team has the experience and skills in preparing prospectuses and product disclosure documents. Our clients rely on our ability to respond quickly and decisively to transactions they bring to us.

Venture Capital

In the current economic climate, entrepreneurial companies that do not have the assets and operating history required by traditional sources to obtain capital are exercising the option of becoming a venture capital funded company. Our team will consult on establishing the most appropriate venture arrangement and attend to preparing all necessary documents required.

Our team can further advise on exit strategies which may include management buyout, corporate redemption, forced receivership, sale of shares to principals or other equity partners.

Corporate Structuring

Internal corporate structuring facilitates external transactions and effectively produces better results.