Business & Corporate Law
The business and corporate lawyers at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC create and maintain the legal framework that allows businesses in Cleveland and throughout Ohio to prosper while protecting their owners from unnecessary risks. Attorneys at NGC assist their business clients in everything from business entity formation to dissolutions, including sales & marketing, mergers & acquisitions, real estate transactions, and business succession planning.
Creation of New Businesses
The way in which a business entity is formed at the outset will determine important issues throughout the life of the business, such as how its owners are taxed, the amount of personal exposure there will be in the event of company liability, and how decisions will be made regarding management and control, succession, and dissolution.
NGC advises clients on their different options regarding entity formation, and prepares and files the necessary documents so that the company may begin operations. We assist in forming:
- S and C Corporations
- Limited Liability Companies
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Joint Ventures
- Nonprofit Corporations
Mergers and Acquisitions
When one company absorbs another, issues of assets, liabilities, corporate powers, and personnel abound. Much effort must be put into research and negotiations to arrive at a favorable outcome for the businesses involved. In addition, government regulators will carefully scrutinize any M&A transaction for its compliance or noncompliance with the Clayton Antitrust Act.
NGC handles all aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions for its corporate clients, including:
- Negotiations
- Financing
- Tax issues
- Due Diligence
- Documentation
Business Succession Planning
Any business entity, and in particular partnerships and closely-held corporations, should have in place a process for the orderly disposition of any one ownership interest in the event of death or removal. Thoughtful planning will ensure an effective, smooth transition and continued operations of the enterprise, while proving beneficial for personal estate and tax planning.
- Buy-sell arrangements
- Identification of successors
- Designing the succession plan
Sales and Marketing
Protecting a company's intellectual property rights can have as much or greater intrinsic value as the products the business actually produces. The lawyers at NGC understand the legal steps that should be taken with regard to any sales or marketing effort and help to situate the company so that it can move its operations forward with confidence and security.
- License and Royalty Arrangements
- Sales Documents including standard terms and conditions
- Trademark and copyright registration
Real Estate
Real estate transactions represent a significant investment of time, money, and effort, from initial investigations to closing. At any stage conflicts may arise which can derail a deal, causing considerable delays. Whether during a purchase or sale or anytime legal intervention is required to resolve a dispute, the NGC firm provides effective advice and representation.
- Purchase and Sale of commercial and residential real estate
- Commercial lease transactions
- Evictions
- Land use and zoning
