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Private companies can be seen as the engine that drives the global economy. From start-ups to long-established family businesses to household-name brands, many businesses are privately owned.
If you are part of that story, these are exciting times. The world is changing rapidly and private companies are well placed to react quickly to developments in their markets. But as your business evolves you will need to act to protect your interests.
If intellectual property is an issue, you may wish to develop rights via trademarks, copyright, patents or design rights. Or perhaps you need commercial agreements such as supply agreements, or terms and conditions of sale to businesses and consumers. It could be that you are looking to grow your business through acquisition or international expansion, or maybe you are even looking to sell it, creating a range of complex legal issues. As a multinational, multidisciplinary law firm – still privately held ourselves – we can assist in every scenario.
Our own story began more than 125 years ago, when a London lawyer named John Withers established his own firm in London, quickly establishing a niche that the firm still occupies, in representing successful individuals and families. Today wealthy people still choose us to handle their private and commercial interests, knowing that we understand the passion that drives them. And we are highly qualified to meet their needs.
Your initial point of contact may be with a Withers lawyer dedicated to (for example) corporate law. Depending on your ongoing requirements, they can also bring in colleagues from our tax, employment law, IP, real estate, finance and litigation teams – or if necessary lawyers from our offices abroad – creating a bespoke team to handle everything under one roof.
We can also connect you with people from our wider network who may be able to assist you, whether as partners or investors. ‘People with lots of money are not sitting on it. They’re happy to invest it,’ explains Ridgeway Barker, a corporate law partner in our US Greenwich office. ‘They’re looking for opportunities and being able to showcase some opportunities that we come across on the corporate side to the capital base is beneficial to both.’
Fees for bringing and defending claims for unfair and wrongful dismissal in the employment tribunal
Commercial agreementsProperly structured agreements will protect and advance your interests. With knowledge across sectors such as luxury brands, sport and the arts, we draft contracts that work for the long term.
Corporate financeWe are proud to help companies secure the finance they need to thrive. A particular strength is advising directors, shareholders and potential investors on the rules in different jurisdictions.
From small companies to global brands, we understand the dynamics of family businesses and what makes them special. We offer a rounded view on everything from tax to succession planning.
FoundersHelping company founders to realise their vision is a hugely rewarding aspect of our work. From advising on tax or global expansion, to introducing you to investors, we’ll add value from the outset.
With wide industry knowledge and experience, our lawyers will grasp your brand and its context quickly and advise on how best to protect mission-critical intellectual property and data.
Mergers and acquisitionsOur seasoned team has acted in the full range of transactions, be it public company takeovers or contentious buyouts – getting the deal done quickly, within regulations and with minimal fuss.
Director | Hong Kong
Partner | London
Partner | Greenwich
Partner | London
Partner | Tokyo
Partner | London
Partner, Withers KhattarWong* | Singapore
Partner | San Francisco
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