Commercial and Business
At Steindls Lawyers, we have been providing trusted legal advice to businesses across the Gold Coast and throughout Queensland since 1945. Over more than eight decades, we have built long-standing relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, investors and professional advisers by delivering practical legal solutions that are commercially focused and tailored to our clients' objectives.
We understand that business owners are not looking for unnecessary complexity or lengthy legal opinions. They want clear advice, practical solutions and solicitors who understand both the legal and commercial realities of operating a business.
Whether you are purchasing your first business, expanding an established enterprise, negotiating significant commercial arrangements or planning your eventual succession or exit, our commercial lawyers work alongside you to protect your interests while helping you achieve your commercial goals.
Many of our clients first engage us for a single transaction and continue to rely on our advice for years—sometimes decades—as their businesses evolve. From establishment through growth, acquisition, restructuring and succession, we are committed to becoming trusted legal advisers throughout the life of your business.
Our Approach
Every commercial transaction is different.
Rather than applying a standardised process, we take the time to understand your objectives, identify the legal and commercial risks, and provide advice that is practical, realistic and focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
Our philosophy is simple.
We make complicated transactions straightforward.
Our role is not to create unnecessary obstacles or overcomplicate commercial decisions. Instead, we help our clients understand the issues that matter, manage legal risk appropriately and move forward with confidence.
This pragmatic approach has helped Steindls Lawyers establish a reputation as trusted advisers to businesses across the Gold Coast for generations.
Business Sales and Acquisitions
Buying or selling a business is one of the most significant commercial decisions many business owners will make.
Whether you are acquiring your first business, expanding through acquisition or preparing to sell a business you have spent years building, careful legal advice is essential to protecting your investment and achieving a successful outcome.
Our solicitors regularly act for both buyers and sellers across a wide range of industries and business types. We understand that every transaction is unique and requires careful consideration of both the legal and commercial issues involved.
We assist clients with:
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Asset sales and purchases
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Share sales and acquisitions
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Heads of Agreement
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Confidentiality agreements
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Legal due diligence
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Sale contract preparation and negotiation
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Conditions precedent
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Assignment of leases
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Employee transfers
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Restraint of trade provisions
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Completion and settlement
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Post-settlement obligations
Our role extends well beyond preparing legal documents. We work closely with accountants, finance brokers, financial advisers and business brokers to ensure every aspect of the transaction progresses efficiently and that our clients remain informed throughout the process.
Whether you are buying a family business, acquiring a growing enterprise or exiting after years of ownership, we provide commercially focused legal advice designed to protect your investment while keeping the transaction moving.
Commercial Contracts
Well-drafted contracts provide certainty. Poorly drafted contracts create disputes.
Commercial contracts establish the legal framework upon which businesses operate. They define rights, allocate risk and provide certainty in commercial relationships.
Our commercial lawyers prepare, review and negotiate a broad range of agreements, ensuring they accurately reflect our clients' commercial objectives while appropriately managing legal risk.
We regularly advise on:
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Commercial agreements
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Supply agreements
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Service agreements
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Consultancy agreements
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Independent contractor agreements
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Shareholder agreements
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Unit holder agreements
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Partnership agreements
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Joint venture agreements
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Confidentiality agreements
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Loan agreements
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Security documents
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Personal guarantees
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Website terms and conditions
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Privacy policies
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Terms of trade
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Licensing arrangements
Before signing any significant commercial agreement, it is important to understand both the legal obligations being assumed and the practical consequences those obligations may have on your business.
We provide advice in plain English, identifying key risks and recommending practical amendments where appropriate.
Commercial Leasing
Commercial leasing arrangements often represent one of the largest ongoing financial commitments for a business.
Whether you are leasing retail premises, office space or industrial property, the lease should support your commercial objectives while appropriately protecting your interests.
Our lawyers regularly advise both landlords and tenants throughout Queensland on every stage of commercial leasing, including:
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Retail shop leases
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Commercial office leases
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Industrial leases
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Lease negotiations
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Assignments
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Options to renew
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Rent review provisions
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Incentive arrangements
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Make good obligations
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Lease disputes
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Drafting and reviewing leases
For business purchasers, we also ensure lease arrangements align appropriately with business sale transactions to minimise settlement risk.
Business Structures and Corporate Advice
Choosing the appropriate business structure is an important decision that can influence ownership, governance, succession and future growth.
Our lawyers advise on:
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Companies
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Family trusts
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Unit trusts
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Partnerships
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Joint ventures
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Corporate restructures
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Company constitutions
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Shareholder arrangements
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Director obligations
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Corporate governance
As businesses grow, ownership structures often require review to accommodate new investors, succession planning or expansion opportunities. We assist clients in implementing these changes while minimising disruption to ongoing operations.
Banking and Finance
Commercial finance transactions require careful legal consideration to ensure obligations are clearly understood before documents are executed.
Our solicitors regularly act for both lenders and borrowers in relation to a broad range of finance transactions.
We assist with:
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Loan agreements
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Security documentation
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Guarantees
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General Security Agreements
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Mortgage documentation
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Finance due diligence
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Settlement coordination
We work proactively with financiers and brokers to facilitate efficient settlements while protecting our clients' commercial interests.
Business Succession and Exit Planning
Successful businesses are built over many years. Planning for their eventual transition is equally important.
Whether you intend to pass a business to the next generation, admit new owners or prepare for sale, careful legal planning can significantly reduce uncertainty and facilitate a smooth transition.
Our commercial lawyers assist with succession strategies that align with each client's personal and commercial objectives, working collaboratively with accountants and financial advisers where appropriate.
Working With Your Professional Advisers
The most successful commercial outcomes are rarely achieved in isolation.
Throughout many transactions, we work closely with accountants, finance brokers, financial planners, business brokers and other professional advisers to ensure our clients receive coordinated advice.
By maintaining open communication between advisers, we help minimise delays, identify issues early and support efficient transaction management.
This collaborative approach has resulted in long-standing referral relationships built on mutual trust and shared commitment to achieving successful outcomes for our clients.