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Sale & Purchase of a Business Sydney - Trusted Advice

Guiding Sydney business buyers and sellers through every step of the sale and purchase process - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.

  • Representing you and your interests, always
  • Experienced and approachable
  • Quality, responsive advice
  • Compassionate, careful listening

Client Reviews

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

More reviews on Google Reviews →

Looking for advice on buying or selling a business?

For many people, a business is their biggest asset. Buying or selling one involves contracts, leases, staff, stock and tax. We help you work through each part so there are no nasty surprises.

We explain the process in plain English and help you negotiate a fair deal. Whether you're buying your first business or selling after many years, we'll make sure everything is properly documented.

Areas we can help with

  • Contracts for the sale of a business

  • Due diligence (checking the business before you buy)

  • Lease transfers and landlord consent

  • Employee entitlements and transfers

  • Settlement and handover

Understanding buying or selling a business

There are various personal, business and financial issues you should consider before you purchase an existing business, such as your experience and skills, why the business is being sold, its assets and current capital, and external factors such as competitors and local developments. Some of these may not be evident in a contract for sale of a business and require further investigation. Due diligence is the process of checking the business before you buy, and usually covers financials, contracts, the lease, staff entitlements and any legal issues.

Tailored advice for your situation

Each side of a business sale has different needs, so we shape our advice around where you are in yours.

Buying your first business? Before you buy, make sure the value is justified, the profits are legitimate, and you know about any disputes or court claims. We give you clear guidance on what to check and what to ask.

An experienced buyer? We efficiently review contracts, leases and risks.

Selling? We help you prepare for sale and make sure your contract protects you. Contracts often include a restraint of trade clause, which limits the seller from competing for a set time and area, and must be reasonable to be enforceable.

Retiring? We help with a smooth, well-documented handover of the business you've built.

Buying or selling a share of a business? With an asset sale you buy the business's assets, while with a share sale you buy the company that owns the business, including its history. The risks and tax treatment differ.

What are the potential risks?

The contract for sale of a business is complex and the amounts involved are often large. The lease usually needs to be transferred to the buyer, and the landlord generally needs to consent. Employee entitlements, such as leave, are an important part of a business sale and the contract should set out how they are dealt with. Without a plan, you risk overpaying for a business or taking on liabilities you didn't know about.

Speak to Sydney's business sale & purchase lawyers

Whether you're buying your first business or selling after many years, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every stage. We recommend you call our office first to speak to one of our qualified lawyers.

Call us today on 02 9575 7541 or complete the enquiry form below.

Why choose Harriss Jones Lawyers

Our experienced, approachable team listens first, gives you clear, responsive advice, and acts for you and your interests at every step.

From your first conversation, we take the time to understand your situation, plan ahead and deal with everyone involved on your behalf - so your matter is shaped around you, and the right questions are asked before they become problems.

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    1. Get in touch

    Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.

  • 2. Review & advise

    We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.

  • 3. Plan your next steps

    We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.

  • 4. We get it done

    We manage the work and keep you updated through to completion.

Meet Our Team

Two Principal Solicitors and two licensed conveyancers, focused on getting your settlement right.

Kathryn Harriss

Solicitor

Along with Melanie, we commenced our practice with the goal to provide quality legal advice and assist people to navigate through the law. 

Melanie Jones

Solicitor

Harriss Jones Lawyers has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure, and it is great to see our team develop and grow.
 

Nicole Aghabi

Solicitor

I've recently joined Harriss Jones Lawyers that brought our practices together. We're now able to provide support focused on Surrogacy.

Sarah Murray

Licensed Conveyancer

Working at Harriss Jones Lawyers has given me a great start to my legal career and has allowed me to learn so many important skills.

Annette Suann

Licensed Conveyancer

With over 30 years experience in conveyancing, it has been great to be part of a female team where we share a common passion. 

Khajinder Kaur

Senior Associate Solicitor

As a family lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help clients through separation, parenting, property and family violence matters. I focus on resolving disputes through negotiation wherever possible, so families can avoid the stress and cost of court.

Amelie Curley

Legal Clerk

I'm completing a double degree in Laws and Medical Science at UTS while gaining hands-on experience at Harriss Jones Lawyers. I mostly assist with Wills and estate planning matters, and I'm enjoying learning something new every day.

Nicole Thorne

Receptionist / Office Administration

With over 30 years' experience, I'm the first smiling face you'll meet when you walk into our office. I look after the firm's correspondence, safe custody records and staff diaries.

Our Legal Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about buying and selling a business.

What is due diligence?

It's the process of checking a business before you buy it. This usually covers financials, contracts, the lease, staff entitlements and any legal issues.

Do I need a lawyer to buy or sell a business?

It's strongly recommended. The contract is complex and the amounts involved are often large. A lawyer can spot risks and make sure everything is properly documented.

What's the difference between buying assets and buying shares?

With an asset sale, you buy the business's assets. With a share sale, you buy the company that owns the business, including its history. The risks and tax treatment differ.

What happens to the lease when a business is sold?

The lease usually needs to be transferred to the buyer, and the landlord generally needs to consent. We help manage this step.

What happens to the staff?

Employee entitlements, such as leave, are an important part of a business sale. The contract should set out how they're dealt with. We'll make sure this is clear.

Can the seller start a competing business?

Contracts often include a restraint of trade clause, which limits the seller from competing for a set time and area. It must be reasonable to be enforceable. We can advise on this.

What is your pricing?

At Harriss Jones Lawyers, after meeting with you to find out what you need, we will provide you with clear information on our professional fees that is specific to your matter.  For more information get in touch with our team.

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Legal advice you can count on

Whatever brings you here - property, family, wills and estates, or business - call us, book a call directly, or complete the form and we'll be in touch.