Can you support both new businesses and acquisitions?
Yes. The legal work can cover a new establishment, acquisition or joint venture, depending on the investment objective. A new business needs an appropriate structure and operating framework. An acquisition also requires a review of the target's records, assets, agreements and material obligations, with specialist commercial, financial or technical due diligence coordinated where necessary.
How do you assess a technology business entering Africa?
We examine what the platform or product does, how revenue is earned, who its users and counterparties are and what data or funds move through the business. Those details inform the corporate, contractual, regulatory and intellectual property work. The assessment can then identify approval dependencies and the terms needed for customers, partners and service providers.
Can you advise on pharmaceutical or healthcare distribution?
The engagement can address the legal structure, distribution agreement, parties' responsibilities and the sector approval questions raised by the proposed product or service. Product, operational and technical information is important to that assessment. Relevant regulatory and specialist advisers can be coordinated so that the commercial arrangement reflects the work required for lawful market access.
What should a local partner agreement cover?
The agreement should reflect the actual contributions and responsibilities of each party. Matters commonly requiring attention include ownership, management, information access, funding, intellectual property, commercial exclusivity, compliance and exit. The appropriate protections depend on whether the relationship is a joint venture, distributorship, technology collaboration or another commercial arrangement, rather than a standard label alone.
Can the engagement continue after the investment launches?
Yes. A defined ongoing mandate can support commercial contracts, governance, employment and compliance, including changes in business activity or capital structure. The scope should distinguish continuing legal work from specialist accounting, financial or operational responsibilities. Regular review is particularly useful when a company expands into new products, licensed activities or additional African markets.
