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LEADING HORNSBY COMMERCIAL LAWYERS

Stacks Collins Thompson has a long history of advising and supporting businesses and commercial organisations across Hornsby and the North Shore. With expertise and experience across all facets of business and commercial law, we partner with local companies of all sizes to help them reach their business goals.
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MEET YOUR LOCAL HORNSBY COMMERCIAL LAW EXPERTS

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David Thompson

Solicitor Director

Hornsby

“The Hornsby commercial lawyers at Stacks Collins Thompson understand that proper business documentation is essential to avoiding costly legal disputes and safeguarding business operations. We believe a mix of local business acumen and substantive legal knowledge will give your business both peace of mind and protection.”

Sydney’s North Shore is home to a multitude of thriving businesses large and small. From major business centres like North Sydney, Chatswood and Epping to industrial estates in Thornleigh and Hornsby; health hubs in Wahroonga and St Leonards to leisure and tourism businesses dotted along the Hawkesbury – we have it all.

Regardless of the industries they service or the number of people they employ, every business needs legal advice to start and grow on a strong footing. 

Since 1979, Stacks Collins Thompson have been the trusted legal partners for local operators of all sizes, from small businesses and start-ups through to large corporate entities with a local presence. Our expert Hornsby lawyers can assist you with all areas of business and commercial law.

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    Company structures

    Having the right company structure is fundamental to the continued prosperity of a business, as well its owners and stakeholders.  Your business might be just starting out, or it might be expanding, organically or through mergers and acquisitions. Whatever the case, your company structure may need to change over time. As the leading Hornsby commercial lawyers, Stacks Collins Thompson can assist with:
    • Business names and registrations
    • Choosing the most suitable business structure
    • Preparation of trust deeds
    • Discretionary and unit trusts
    • Personal asset and liability protections for business owners

    Business agreements

    Business agreements are among the most common sources of commercial disputes. You can avoid this happening to you by seeking current, experienced legal advice from the outset, before you sign any agreement. Our commercial law team at Stacks Collins Thompson can help you understand your contractual rights and obligations under a range of business agreements, including:
    • Partnership agreements
    • Franchise and distribution agreements
    • Shareholder agreements
    • Finance agreements

    Business finance and investments

    No matter if you are a small retailer at Hornsby Westfield or a multinational with local offices in Macquarie Park or St Leonards, protecting your business finances and investments is key to ensuring continued growth and success. Our Hornsby commercial lawyers have the knowledge and experience to support your business with its finance and investments, including:
    • Business taxation matters
    • Corporate investments
    • Company asset sales
    • Business valuations
    • Commercial loans and small business finance

    Turnarounds and restructures

    Is your business looking for a turnaround after meeting a challenge? Do you need advice to get the best result for you from a business dissolution? Stacks Collins Thompson are Hornsby lawyers with decades of experience in supporting businesses as they navigate changing circumstances. We can assist you with:
    • Business mergers and acquisitions
    • Company restructuring, including working with administrators or receivers
    • Legal obligations to creditors
    • Selling a business or company entity
    • Dissolution of partnerships

    General commercial advice

    Stacks Collins Thompson can offer tailored advice while preserving your commercial confidentiality on a range of commercial law matters, including:
    • Commercial lease agreements, whether for a Hornsby retail outlet, Thornleigh industrial site or Macquarie Park office space
    • Trademark and patent applications
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Workplace law
    • Small business law
    • Other business and commercial legal queries

    Reviews from our clients

    Michelle Goddard
    I have been using Stacks Law Hornsby for a number of years and the whole team from David, Kay & Tracey have been nothing but amazing. Nothing is ever a hassle, all legal questions are answered promptly and with all required information. They are upfront and honest, they are always available and do not delay responses. To have support of a great legal team when you are going through life’s big challenges makes it all so much easier. Thank you to David, Kay & Tracey for being a wonderful team to work with.
    Perhaps Me
    The firm and staff have been first rate professionals.
    John Orr
    Tracey and Kay and team do a great job supporting and executing the stressful job of buying and selling property. They first helped our son buy his first apartment, then us in our downsizing. We had good advice and guidance along the way, always available for questions, and pro-active in anticipating potential problems. We're very happy with the outcome, would use them again (except we're not going to move from our new home any time soon!). Would recommend them to anyone wanting a responsible and supportive conveyancer.
    Peter Disney
    Have been dealings with this company for many years, many different staff, on many topics from conveyancing to wills and guardianships. I have been nothing but impressed by their level of service and professionalism and advice, exceeding my expectations where other parties have not. I highly recommend them.
    Scott Wilson
    We recently used Stacks Collin’s Thompson for a settlement.
    The service provided by Tracey Hussey was first rate, everything when without hitch.
    I would highly recommend.
    Jennifer Prowse
    A huge thank you to Tracey for her kindness, speed and efficiency with our conveyancing. Tracey is very professional, knowledgeable and we would recommend her to everyone.
    Kathryn
    I would like to thank Tracey, Kay and the team for working with me in the purchase and sale of my properties. I felt supported throughout the entire process and appreciated their prompt and thorough responses. Thanks again.
    Neil P
    The staff at Stacks Collins Thompson were very helpful and professional in their dealings with me in the sale of my property at Eastwood. Everything was done very efficiently, without any problems.
    Jeremy Claire Gluyas
    Mr John Gooley was an agent of our first solicitor, in the end we gave him the brief as his clear and concise advice, was what I needed to hear( if not what i initially wanted). I was shown why my second choice was a better option. I feel I received proper legal advice, as opposed to what the representative thought I wanted to hear. A good outcome in an otherwise terrible situation. Thanks John and David.
    Caz Holden
    I am writing this letter to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation from Trina for my case and helping me in my time of need and being compassionate. I admire your composure, work ethic and your excellent representation for your company. I will not hesitate to use Stacks, Collins and Thompson in Hornsby for any future work needing to be addressed.

    Kind Regards
    Carol

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    In Australia, there are a number of business structures which reflect different company sizes and ownership arrangements. These include:

    • Sole traders
    • Partnerships
    • Proprietary limited companies
    • Associations
    • Co-operatives

    It is advisable when starting or buying a business to seek legal advice on which business structure is most suitable for your circumstances and business goals

    No, but it is strongly advisable to seek legal advice because the process of buying a business is very complex. 

    If you fail to conduct the appropriate searches and enquiries or have the contract carefully checked, you may find that you have missed a crucial piece of information that might have alerted you to a problem with the business.

    Due diligence is the process of conducting checks on the business you are looking to buy, to satisfy yourself that it is what the vendor says it is. 

    Reviewing everything about the business, from its corporate structure, to contracts, employment records, assets and their condition, finance agreements, leases, regulatory licenses and permits, insurance, intellectual property and any other matters that may be relevant to the worth and operations of the business are all part of the due diligence process.

    Determining how much a business is worth is complicated. Not only do you need to consider the value of physical assets, such as the premises, stock and equipment, but also the value of goodwill. This includes matters such as clients and customer loyalty, the reputation of the business and how well known the brand is. 

    A vast deal of paperwork is involved in proving the worth of a business, including financial statements, legal documents (eg leases and insurance), the business plan and sales information. The experience of remaining staff members may be relevant and comparisons with competitors may be made.

    Given the subjectivity involved with non-tangible assets such as goodwill and reputation, it is recommended to seek professional advice to ensure you receive a valuation that is fair and in your best interests.

    When you sell your business, the remaining employees will either transfer with the business, or their employment with the business will end. Either way, their employment contract with you (ie the former employer) will end, so you will need to give them notice. 

    You may include some employee entitlements as part of the sale contract.

    A partnership is a particular business structure whereby two or more people go into business together with the view to making a profit. Each partner is responsible for the actions of themselves and one another, including being liable for business debts. 

    A partnership can be “normal” (does not need to be registered under the Partnership Act), “limited” or “incorporated limited”. The type of partnership will affect matters like registration requirements, tax requirements and partner liability.

    No, it is not legally mandatory to have a Partnership Agreement. However, it is highly advisable to set out clearly the obligations of each partner and the process for resolving any disputes that may arise.

    A dividend is a payment made by a company to its shareholders, usually paid as a distribution of the company’s profits. This can be paid in cash, or it may be paid through the issue of further shares.

    There are many franchise businesses across Hornsby and the North Shore, just as there are nationwide. Regardless of where the business operates, the term of the franchise will depend on your Franchise Agreement. It may be as short as one year, or it may be for several years. 

    Generally, the length of a franchise tends to be 3-5 years, with the option of renewing at the end of the term.

    Royalties are payments to the franchisor for providing ongoing support to your business, such as management and technical assistance. 

    Royalties are often calculated as a percentage of your franchise’s turnover, or it may be a fixed fee per month. It may also include regular payments for advertising or marketing of the brand.

    Our experts

    David Thompson

    David Thompson

    Solicitor Director
    Hornsby
    Phone David Tel(02) 9476 2788
    John Gooley

    John Gooley

    Solicitor
    Hornsby
    Phone John Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Sayesha Bali

    Sayesha Bali

    Lawyer
    Hornsby
    Phone Sayesha Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Justine Cavanagh

    Justine Cavanagh

    Solicitor
    Hornsby
    Phone Justine Tel02 9476 2788
    Kimberley-Ann Ashbee

    Kimberley-Ann Ashbee

    Lawyer
    Hornsby
    Phone Kimberley-Ann Tel9476 2788
    Reza Sedaghat

    Reza Sedaghat

    Lawyer
    Hornsby
    Phone Reza Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Mark Shumsky

    Mark Shumsky

    Lawyer
    Hornsby
    Phone Mark Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Christopher Morris

    Christopher Morris

    Lawyer
    Hornsby
    Phone Christopher Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Tracey Hussey

    Tracey Hussey

    Licensed conveyancer
    Hornsby
    Phone Tracey Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Kay Laird

    Kay Laird

    Practice manager
    Hornsby
    Phone Kay Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Ethan Brightmore

    Ethan Brightmore

    Paralegal
    Hornsby
    Phone Ethan Tel(02) 9476 2788
    Find more experts

    Why choose Stacks

    What makes Stacks different and why you should choose us.

    Stacks is the steady hand you can trust, the lawyers you know. The ones who care about where you’re from, what you’re going through and who treat you like a person, not just another case.

    With the attention of one lawyer, backed by the expertise of many, we’re the only legal provider in Australia that gives businesses and everyday people access to expert legal services through a network of reputable local offices.

    Legal challenges can feel confusing, even intimidating, but we know what you’re going through, we know the legal terrain, we view your case individually, and we can offer the care, reassurance and expertise to guide you every step of the way.

    Get in Touch


    No hidden fees
    We’ll always be honest and upfront. We’ll look you straight in the eye and agree on a plan before moving forward.

    Deep expertise
    We know the ropes and our professionals have expertise specific to every legal situation—many are Accredited Specialists.

    Practical advice not legalese
    We speak clearly and directly, so you understand our advice and can make decisions with confidence.

    Network of local offices
    We’re local to wherever you are, and our offices are owned and operated by friendly, local professionals, proud of their communities.

    Real client care
    We genuinely care about our clients. It’s the core of who we are and has been since the first practice was opened by ER Stack on the NSW Mid-North Coast in 1931.

    Progressive practise
    We make the process easy for you with the latest tech to keep services cost effective—and you in control.



    We’ll always be honest and upfront. We’ll look you straight in the eye and agree on a plan before moving forward.

    We know the ropes and our professionals have expertise specific to every legal situation—many are Accredited Specialists.

    We speak clearly and directly, so you understand our advice and can make decisions with confidence.

    We’re local to wherever you are, and our offices are owned and operated by friendly, local professionals, proud of their communities.

    We genuinely care about our clients. It’s the core of who we are and has been since the first practice was opened by ER Stack on the NSW Mid-North Coast in 1931.

    We make the process easy for you with the latest tech to keep services cost effective—and you in control.

    We're here to help

    Complete the form to contact us today

    We’re here to listen to your story anytime. We can help you understand how things work, give you confidence and guide you through your options. We’ll be honest and upfront, agreeing on what you need and how much it will cost. Your enquiry is completely confidential.
    Call us now(02) 9476 2788Call us now

    Commercial law

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