Rachel Turner, Partner, Head of Corporate, Thames Valley

Your advisers are part of your deal team, so keep them up to speed with any developments to save time later on.

We’ve probably seen it all before, so ask us for our opinion, rather than just the legal perspective – we might have an approach you haven’t considered.

Although you may be loyal to an existing adviser, they might not have experience in the type of deal you’re undertaking, so consider taking on new advisers where necessary.

Is warranty and indemnity insurance worth it?

If there are risks that can’t be reduced by a thorough due diligence and disclosure process then it can be an effective way to cover off risk. However, if should never be used as a substitute for full disclosure against warranties.

The Company has a lot of spare cash. Can it buy my shares?

Potentially, but company law is very strict on how and when a company can buy shares back from a shareholder. Getting it wrong, even in relation to seemingly unimportant details, means that buy-back is treated as if it never happened. Before you consider this option, have a chat to us.

What percentage of shares should I give to employees?

There’s no “one size fits all” answer to this question. What’s important is to balance the desire to incentivise key staff with retaining sufficient control of the company. Talk to us about the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of non-voting shares and whether a share option scheme might be appropriate.