Before You List
Smart vendors prepare before engaging a broker or listing their venue. We review your lease to identify assignment conditions and any landlord consent requirements. We check your liquor licence status and confirm there are no outstanding compliance issues. We also assess employee entitlements to ensure accurate disclosure to buyers. This preparation work prevents surprises that can derail sales mid-transaction.
Contract Negotiation
Once you have a buyer, the real work begins. We prepare a contract of sale that clearly defines what's included in the purchase price. Fixtures, fittings, stock, intellectual property, customer databases, and supplier relationships all need proper treatment. We negotiate with the buyer's solicitor to agree on conditions that protect your interests while keeping the deal commercially viable.
For hospitality business sales, key negotiation points include:
- Deposit amount and holding arrangements
- Settlement period and timing
- Conditions precedent, including landlord consent and licence transfer
- Staff transfer obligations under the Fair Work Act
- Training and handover periods
- Restraint of trade provisions
Due Diligence Period
Buyers will investigate your business thoroughly. We help you prepare disclosure materials and respond to due diligence requests. Proper preparation here builds buyer confidence and reduces the risk of last-minute price renegotiations or contract terminations.
Settlement and Handover
Settlement day involves coordinating multiple moving parts. Stock takes, key handovers, staff notifications, supplier account transfers, and regulatory notifications all need to happen in sequence. We prepare settlement statements, coordinate with all parties, and ensure you receive your sale proceeds on time.
Post-Settlement Obligations
Your obligations don't always end at settlement. Restraint of trade provisions may limit your activities for a period. Training and handover commitments may extend beyond settlement. We ensure you understand these ongoing obligations and comply with them.
Why Fixed Fee Legal Services Matter
Selling a hospitality business is stressful enough without worrying about mounting legal bills. Our fixed fee approach means you know exactly what your legal costs will be from the start. No hourly billing surprises. No hesitation about picking up the phone to ask a question. Just clear, predictable pricing for the legal work required to complete your sale.
