Business & Corporate Law

Business Start-Up / Incorporation

With our Business Start-Up Navigator, we provide information and advice to entrepreneurs to prepare them for success and protect them from liability. We will help you determine if you should structure your business as a proprietorship, partnership or corporation, and create an ownership structure that can reduce your tax bill.  We will help you choose your business name, and protect it with a trademark registration. If you choose to incorporate, we can set up your company provincially or federally, and act as your company’s registered and records office. Our best-in-class software ensures that your corporate records are accurate and complete. Our clients know that we are always on hand to provide advice or assistance, and that we don’t charge for finding answers to many of their questions.

Business Sales and Purchases

If you are buying or selling a business, we will discuss the pros and cons of an asset purchase and share purchase. For purchasers, our due diligence will help ensure that you get what you pay for, and that you won’t be liable for the debts of the previous owner. A comprehensive purchase agreement protects you from unwanted surprises after closing.  Getting advice at the beginning will save you money over time and remove many of the uncertainties that come with a new venture. For sellers, we prepare you for the sale process and help to maximize your return by making your business attractive to purchasers.  Most sale agreements contain a large number of representations and warranties which can be a minefield for an unsuspecting seller.  We help you navigate the terms to ensure that you get your money, and get to keep your money!

Business Agreements

Where there is more than one owner of a business it is important to have a Shareholders Agreement or Partnership Agreement. These agreements will cover such issues as capital contributions, profit distributions, restrictions on the transfer of an owner’s interest in the business, dispute resolution, and what happens on the death of an owner. We also assist with the preparation and negotiation of other business agreements, such as leases and employment, franchise, license and distributorship agreements.

Extra-Provincial Company Registrations

If your corporation is based in another jurisdiction but carries on business in British Columbia, you are required to register your corporation with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies and appoint an attorney and head office within British Columbia. For a low annual fee we can act as head office and attorney for your extra-provincial corporation.

Legal Information

Testimonials

I always appreciate the quality service I receive from Del, Lianne and all of their staff. Knowing that the law profession can be extremely busy, I am consistently impressed with the promptness of their service and the level of their detail. I have referred many people to Beacon Law and without fail they are always happy with the service they receive. One standout feature of their service that differs from many other lawyers, is that they always see a project through to the end, without needing reminders. The staff at Beacon Law are just as helpful and courteous as Del and Lianne. I know that I can contact Kelvin or Sharron, or Whitney, among others and they are always happy and willing to help.

E.H., Accountant

In the summer of 2001, I began my first venture into purchasing an established business and it seemed like a daunting challenge at the time. While first meeting Del Elgersma in his relatively new law practice, I immediately became confident that I would receive the trusted advice and outstanding service that Del sincerely claimed he would provide. Now, nearly ten years later, I heartily attest to receiving such excellent advice and service, and in a very personable way from Del, his law partner Lianne MacDonald, and from all of their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Beacon Law Centre has provided a wide range of legal services to my businesses and to my family. As a true indicator of my satisfaction, I have frequently recommended Beacon Law Centre to other business owners and families in our community.

I have been fortunate to experience growth in my businesses, and the high quality of advice and service from Del and the team at Beacon Law Centre has been important to that success. In business change is inevitable and situations can arise suddenly – it is reassuring to know I can call Del and receive the attention I need in a timely manner.

C.M.

I am writing to express my appreciation for the service you have provided to my clients and me. You have made my clients feel at ease when asking questions and dealing with things outside of their comfort levels. By explaining the legal aspects of their decision in ‘plain English’, you have become a valuable resource to both my clients and myself. Clients have thanked me for introducing them to a professional whom they can both believe in and trust. I will continue to strongly recommend your services to clients, associates and friends.

L.B., Accountant

Business Law Questions