Business and corporate law
The business and corporate law attorneys at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper (NGC) create and maintain the legal framework that allows businesses in Cleveland and throughout Ohio to prosper while protecting their owners from unnecessary risks. Attorneys at NGC assist their business clients in everything from business entity formation to dissolutions, including sales & marketing, mergers & acquisitions, real estate transactions, and business succession planning.
Business creation
The structure chosen for a business at the outset will determine important issues throughout the life of the business, such as how its owners are taxed, the amount of personal exposure they will face in the event of company liability and how decisions will be made regarding management, control, succession and dissolution.
NGC advises clients on their options regarding entity formation, and prepares and files the necessary documents so that the company may begin operations.
- C corporations
- Joint ventures
- Limited liability companies
- Nonprofit corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional corporations
- S corporations
Mergers and acquisitions
When one company absorbs another, issues of assets, liabilities, corporate powers and personnel abound. Much effort must be put into research and negotiations to arrive at a favorable outcome for the businesses involved. In addition, government regulators will carefully scrutinize any merger or acquisition for its compliance or noncompliance with the Clayton Antitrust Act.
NGC handles all aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions for its corporate clients.
- Documentation
- Due diligence
- Financing
- Negotiations
- Tax issues
Business succession planning
Every business entity, and in particular partnerships and closely held corporations, should have in place a process for the orderly disposition of each ownership interest in the event of death or removal. Thoughtful planning will ensure an effective, smooth transition and continued operations of the enterprise, while proving beneficial for personal estate and tax planning.
- Buy-sell arrangements
- Identification of successors
- Design of the succession plan
Sales and marketing
Protecting a company’s intellectual property rights can have as much intrinsic value as the products the business produces or more. Our lawyers understand the legal steps that should be taken in any sales or marketing effort and help situate the company so that it can move its operations forward with confidence and security.
- License and royalty arrangements
- Sales documents including standard terms and conditions
- Trademark and copyright registration
Real estate transactions
A real estate transaction represents a significant investment of time, money and effort, from initial investigation to closing. At any stage conflicts may arise that can derail a deal, causing considerable delays. Whether during a purchase or a sale or at any time legal intervention is required to resolve a dispute, our lawyers provide effective advice and representation.
- Commercial lease transactions
- Evictions
- Land use and zoning
- Purchase and sale of commercial and residential real estate