Calgary Business Lawyers

Getz Collins and Associates provides practical business law advice to businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, corporations, and financial institutions in Calgary and throughout Alberta. Since 1984, our firm has developed lasting relationships with Alberta’s business community and advises clients ranging from small start-ups to large international corporations.

Our Calgary business lawyers assist clients with complex legal, financial, and regulatory issues throughout the lifecycle of a business. We provide tailored legal solutions designed to support our clients’ business objectives, whether they are establishing a new venture, structuring ownership, entering into agreements, obtaining financing, purchasing or selling business interests, or reorganizing an existing corporation.

Our business law services include:

• Business incorporation and structuring;
• Legal services for start-ups;
• Partnerships and joint ventures;
• Shareholder and partnership agreements;
• Unanimous Shareholder Agreements;
• Asset and share purchases;
• Corporate financing;
• Corporate restructuring and reorganizations;
• Mergers and acquisitions;
• Amalgamations;
• Divestitures and asset sales; and
• Ownership restructuring.

Legal Services for Calgary Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs

Starting a business involves important decisions about structure, ownership, financing, and the relationships between the people involved in the venture.

The business lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and start-up companies. Our Legal Services Bundle for Start-Ups includes essential guidance and agreements required when setting up a new business venture, including incorporation documents, minute book creation, employment agreements, and shareholder structures.

Our community-minded approach is combined with modern legal services designed around the needs of our clients. We remain invested in the success of new businesses from inception onward, providing tailored legal and business advice as their needs develop.

Incorporation and Business Structures in Alberta

Choosing an appropriate structure is an important step when establishing or growing a business. The appropriate framework can depend on operational needs, tax considerations, ownership, and the nature of the venture.

Getz Collins and Associates advises established businesses and start-ups on business structures including:

• Corporations;
• Partnerships;
• Joint ventures;
• Co-operatives; and
• Business trusts.

Our business lawyers also negotiate and draft related agreements, including partnership and shareholder agreements, to help establish the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved.

Learn more about our incorporation services.

Unanimous Shareholder Agreements

Unanimous Shareholder Agreements can establish a framework for the rights and responsibilities of shareholders and the management and operation of a corporation.

Depending on the circumstances, matters addressed in a Unanimous Shareholder Agreement may include:

• Shareholder voting rights;
• Restrictions on share sales and transfers;
• Management structure;
• Corporate signing authority; and
• Appointment of corporate directors.

Getz Collins and Associates reviews and drafts Unanimous Shareholder Agreements with the goal of establishing clear expectations and anticipating potential areas of future dispute.

Asset and Share Purchases

Asset purchases and share purchases are two common structures used in business acquisitions. Each can involve different legal, financial, and tax considerations.

In an asset purchase, a buyer purchases specified assets of a business, which may include equipment, inventory, intellectual property, real estate, and contracts. The transaction documents establish which assets and liabilities form part of the purchase.

In a share purchase, the buyer purchases shares of the corporation, resulting in a change in ownership of the corporation.

Getz Collins and Associates guides individuals and businesses through the legal and financial considerations involved in asset and share purchases. Our business lawyers assist with due diligence and transaction matters to help clients understand and manage the risks associated with a proposed purchase.

Corporate Financing

Corporate financing can play an important role in a business’s growth and ongoing operations. Getz Collins and Associates represents borrowers and lenders and provides advice on financing arrangements appropriate to clients’ particular circumstances.

Our business law team brings decades of combined experience with corporate lending and advises businesses and financial institutions on financing options including:

• Credit cards, lines of credit, and supplier credit programs;
• Equipment and real estate leasing;
• Cash flow and asset-based business loans;
• Leveraged or acquisition financing; and
• Mortgages.

Corporate Restructuring and Reorganization

Corporate restructuring and reorganization can involve complex corporate, financial, and regulatory considerations.

Getz Collins and Associates advises business sellers, purchasers, shareholders, and other stakeholders on matters relating to restructuring and reorganization, including:

• Mergers and acquisitions;
• Share and asset purchases;
• Amalgamations;
• Divestitures and asset sales;
• Ownership restructuring; and
• Joint ventures.

Our business lawyers provide practical legal solutions intended to help clients navigate changes in corporate structure or control while supporting operational stability and long-term business objectives.

Where a business matter develops into a legal dispute, our civil litigation lawyers can provide advice and representation.

Business Lawyers Serving Calgary, Strathmore and Alberta

Getz Collins and Associates has served Alberta clients since 1984 and has established longstanding relationships with businesses in Calgary, Strathmore, and throughout the province.

Our business lawyers bring decades of combined experience and advise businesses of varying sizes, from entrepreneurs and start-ups to large corporations. We combine a community-minded approach with the professionalism and resources required to address complex business matters.

With offices in Calgary and Strathmore, we provide business law services to clients throughout Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Law in Calgary

What does a business lawyer in Calgary do?

A business lawyer provides legal guidance to businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations on a range of business matters. This can include incorporation and business structures, shareholder agreements, financing, asset and share purchases, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate matters.

When should I incorporate my business in Alberta?

Whether incorporation is appropriate depends on factors such as the nature of the business, ownership structure, operational needs, tax considerations, and long-term objectives. A business lawyer can explain different business structures and assist with the incorporation process where appropriate.

Do you work with start-ups and small businesses in Calgary?

Yes. Getz Collins and Associates advises entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses of varying sizes. Our Legal Services Bundle for Start-Ups includes incorporation documents, minute book creation, employment agreements, and shareholder structures required when establishing a new business venture.

What is a unanimous shareholder agreement?

A unanimous shareholder agreement establishes rights and obligations relating to the shareholders and governance of a corporation. Depending on its terms, it may address matters including voting rights, share transfers, management structure, signing authority, and the appointment of directors.

What is the difference between an asset purchase and a share purchase?

In an asset purchase, a buyer purchases specified assets of a business. In a share purchase, the buyer purchases shares of the corporation itself. Each structure can involve different legal, financial, and tax considerations.

Can a business lawyer help with corporate financing?

Yes. Getz Collins and Associates represents borrowers and lenders and advises on corporate lending and financing matters, including lines of credit, leasing, business loans, acquisition financing, and mortgages.

Can a business lawyer help with buying or selling a business?

Getz Collins and Associates advises business sellers, purchasers, shareholders, and other stakeholders on matters including asset and share purchases, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, asset sales, and restructuring.

What business structure is best for my Alberta business?

The appropriate structure depends on the circumstances and objectives of the business. Getz Collins and Associates advises clients on structures including corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, co-operatives, and business trusts.

Can a business lawyer help with shareholder agreements?

Yes. Our business lawyers negotiate, draft, and review shareholder agreements, including Unanimous Shareholder Agreements, to address matters involving ownership, governance, management, and shareholder rights and responsibilities.

Do your business lawyers serve clients outside Calgary?

Yes. Getz Collins and Associates has offices in Calgary and Strathmore and advises business clients throughout Alberta.

Speak With a Calgary Business Lawyer

Whether you are starting a new business, considering incorporation, establishing a shareholder structure, obtaining corporate financing, purchasing business assets or shares, or reorganizing an existing corporation, Getz Collins and Associates can provide legal advice tailored to your business and circumstances.

To schedule a confidential consultation with our business law team, call 587-391-5600 or contact Getz Collins and Associates.