Finance and business strategy

Whether you want to raise finance, join forces with someone else, buy or sell a business, it pays to be aware of the legal implications.

Investment, bank loans and other forms of funding can help successful businesses grow, while viable businesses can be destroyed by cashflow problems.

Floating your company’s shares on a stock market can allow a company to raise additional equity finance or provide an exit for existing investors.

Buying a business can be a great opportunity to strengthen your market position, diversify into new markets and accelerate growth.

Mergers, joint ventures and other collaborations can be powerful elements of a business strategy, potentially transforming your business prospects.

If your business cannot pay its debts, it is insolvent. Consequences both for the business and for the individuals concerned can be severe.

It's a common misconception that to become a plc you have to float your company on the Stock Exchange with all the complexity and expense this entails

Buying a business can be a big step forward, but there are pitfalls. Find out how to complete the purchase and check the real state of the business.

A cartel is an agreement betweeen businesses not to compete with each other for example on price or market sharing. Being part of a cartel is illegal.

Floating your company can be one of the most exciting experiences in your business life. But it can also be stressful, time-consuming and expensive.

If your company has debts it can't pay, it's insolvent. By understanding your options, you can take steps to improve the situation. Read our guide.

Frequently asked questions about insolvency, including how you can reduce the risks and what to do if you or your business becomes insolvent

The term joint venture is most commonly used to describe an arrangement where two or more businesses create a separate joint venture business

Being on good terms and having clear policies is vital for working with your suppliers and other creditors. Here's how to manage the relationship.

Venture capital firms provide financing in return for shares. Business angels do the same, but usually expect a higher degree of personal involvement.

Sourcing venture capital, negotiating a deal and deciding on shareholder rights and management input. What to do if things go wrong.

The worth of a business is based on how much profit a buyer can make from it, and the potential risks. Read our guide to valuing your business.

Are you eligible to claim capital and incentive allowances for your business? Find out using this helpful information and guidance from HMRC

Venture capitalist investors and business angels may be able to help you obtain financing for your business in return for a proportion of your shares

Visit the GOV.UK website to access this interactive tool to identify possible sources of finance for your company, plus business support services.

Use the WebCHeck service to search for information about existing or dissolved companies, including insolvency details and previous names.

You can search for insolvency practitioners in your area using this online directory from the Insolvency Service

All businesses must comply with competition law and there can be serious consequences for businesses and individuals, who don't follow the rules.