Director loan repayments and solvency: what makes them ‘reasonable’
It is not unusual for companies, particularly newer, capital-constrained ones, to accept loans from, or make repayments to directors (or their associates). This might be for working capital, bridging shortfalls, or to enable new business initiatives. However, director-related loans carry unique risk: in a liquidation, a liquidator may seek to claw back some or all […]
Bucket vs Banker: How the right company structure can supercharge your family wealth strategy
Two strategic tools, the ‘bucket company’ and the ‘banker company’. Both strategies offer high-net-worth families a way to cap tax exposure, preserve capital, and support long-term intergenerational planning.
Being a director of a family farm: it’s more than a title
In Australian farming communities, family means everything. It’s not unusual to see surnames etched into gates, signposts, and silos, each a tribute to generations of hard work. But behind the name on the gate, the way a business is legally structured can make or break a legacy. And one seemingly harmless paperwork decision can lead […]
Building your business’s legal backbone: The key legal documents that will keep your business standing strong
Starting and running a business successfully requires more than just a great idea and a solid business plan; it also requires a strong legal foundation. Without key legal documents in place, even the most promising business can face unnecessary risks, disputes, or even shutdowns.
Unlawful termination – what employers need to know
The recent case brought by reporter Antoinette Lattouf against the ABC highlights the risk to employers of mishandling dismissals, especially where protected attributes, such as political opinion, are in play. These days, employers are expected to be more than just providers of work and income. Stakeholders will often demand that a business embodies certain values […]
Profit sharing without equity: rewarding staff without giving away your business
If you are a business owner looking to reward loyal staff and align incentives, but not ready to part with equity, a profit-sharing arrangement might be the answer.
3 legal must-haves before selling your business part 3: Heads of Agreement
This article is Part 3 of a series of blogs focusing on three pre-business sale documents: Part 1: Broker Mandate Letters; Part 2: Non-Disclosure Agreements; and Part 3: Heads of Agreement. We have also developed a library of resources that will help clarify your thinking about selling your business and get you on the right […]
3 legal must-haves before selling your business part 2: Non-Disclosure Agreements
This article is Part 2 of a series of blogs focusing on three pre, business sale documents: Part 1: Broker Mandate Letters; Part 2: Non, Disclosure Agreements; and Part 3: Heads of Agreement. We have also developed a library of resources that will help clarify your thinking about selling your business and get you started […]
3 legal must-haves before selling your business part 1: Broker Mandate Letters
When selling your business, appointing a broker is usually the smart move. They can bring in qualified buyers, run a structured process, and help push a transaction across the line. However, you must be cautious about rushing into a Broker Mandate Letter (BML) without truly understanding its implications.
Cracking Division 7A: how to access company profits without triggering a tax bomb
Does this sound like you? You run a successful family-owned business through a private company. Over the years, your company has accumulated profits that could help fund personal investments or assist family members. Like many SME owners, you see no harm in accessing these profits informally. After all, it’s your business, right?