Business & Corporate
Gilpin Givhan has deep experience guiding closely held businesses through every stage of their life cycle—from formation and growth to eventual exit. We assist owners in selecting the appropriate structure for a new venture, whether a corporation, partnership, or limited liability entity, and in creating the foundational documents needed to protect their investment, including shareholder and operating agreements.
As businesses grow, our attorneys work closely with owners to seize new opportunities. For clients seeking to raise capital, we help navigate the complex landscape of federal and state securities laws. When it comes time to expand through acquisition or to realize the value of the business through a sale, we bring extensive experience negotiating a wide spectrum of mergers and acquisitions—from joint ventures between equal partners, to transactions involving small operators, to high-value deals where one party significantly outweighs the other.
What sets Gilpin Givhan apart is our efficient, integrated approach. Rather than deploying a large, fragmented team, we rely on a small group of attorneys who understand all facets of the transaction, ensuring cohesive, cost-effective representation.
Ultimately, we recognize the dedication required to build and run a closely held business. Our goal is to help owners protect what they have built and position themselves to fully realize the value of their hard work.
Entity Formation & Structures>
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. Corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies each offer distinct advantages—and potential challenges—when it comes to governance, liability protection, management flexibility, ownership rights, and long-term stability. Our attorneys guide clients through these considerations with a practical, business-focused approach, ensuring the chosen structure aligns with operational realities and future goals.
We assist clients in forming new entities, preparing tailored governing documents such as bylaws, shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and partnership agreements, and establishing clear rules for decision-making, profit-sharing, dispute resolution, and succession. For growing businesses, we advise on restructuring existing organizations, onboarding new owners, and adapting governance frameworks as needs evolve.
Whether helping launch a simple LLC for a new venture or designing a more sophisticated corporate or partnership structure for a rapidly expanding enterprise, we help clients understand their options and implement a framework that promotes clarity, supports efficient operations, minimizes risk, and positions the business for long-term success.
Corporate Governance>
Effective corporate governance provides the framework for how a business is managed, how decisions are made, and how owners and managers fulfill their responsibilities to the company and one another. Our attorneys help clients develop governance structures that promote clarity, accountability, and stability—whether through well-crafted bylaws, operating agreements, board procedures, or policies addressing conflicts of interest, fiduciary duties, and oversight. As businesses evolve, we assist in refining governance practices to support growth, onboarding new leadership, and maintaining strong, transparent decision-making processes.
Debt & Equity Financing>
Access to capital is critical for businesses at every stage, from early-stage growth to expansion and acquisitions. We help clients evaluate and structure a wide range of financing options—from traditional lending and credit facilities to private equity investments and capital raises. Our attorneys negotiate terms, prepare necessary documentation, and guide clients through the legal and practical considerations involved in taking on new investors or lenders. The goal is to secure capital in a way that supports the business’s objectives while protecting ownership interests and operational flexibility.
Mergers & Acquisitions>
Whether a business is growing through acquisition or pursuing a strategic sale, mergers and acquisitions require careful planning, disciplined negotiation, and clear alignment with long-term goals. We represent buyers and sellers in transactions of all sizes, guiding clients through due diligence, deal structuring, risk allocation, and the preparation of purchase agreements and related documents. With experience across a wide range of industries and transaction types—from asset purchases and stock deals to joint ventures and reorganizations—we help clients approach each transaction with confidence and clarity.
Growth & Exit Strategies>
Businesses rarely stay static, and owners benefit from a roadmap for both expansion and eventual transition. We counsel clients on strategies for scaling their operations, bringing in new partners or investors, expanding into new markets, and preparing for acquisitions or joint ventures. When it’s time to transition out of the business, we assist in evaluating exit options—whether selling to a third party, transferring ownership to family members, or implementing internal succession plans. Our guidance helps owners maximize value while ensuring a smooth and intentional path forward.
Business Succession Planning>
Ensuring the long-term stability of a closely held business requires thoughtful and proactive succession planning. We work with owners to develop transition strategies that preserve the value they’ve built while providing clarity for future leadership—whether transferring ownership to family members, bringing key employees into the business, or preparing for a sale to a third party. Our attorneys help structure buy—sell arrangements, ownership transition frameworks, management continuity plans, and governance updates that support a smooth and orderly handoff. With a focus on minimizing disruption and protecting the company’s long-term health, we help owners position their business to thrive well beyond the current generation of leadership.
Commercial Contracts>
Clear and well-structured contracts are essential to minimizing risk and ensuring strong business relationships. We prepare, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial agreements, including vendor contracts, service agreements, licensing arrangements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, and supply chain contracts. Our focus is on developing documents that are practical, enforceable, and tailored to each client’s operations—reducing uncertainty while strengthening the foundation of everyday business activities.
Regulatory & Compliance>
Businesses operate in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. We help clients identify the legal requirements applicable to their industry and develop compliance practices that reduce exposure to regulatory enforcement, penalties, and operational disruptions. Whether addressing corporate formalities, industry-specific licensing, employment-related obligations, or general business compliance, we work proactively with clients to implement policies and procedures that promote consistency, accountability, and long-term stability.
Securities>
Raising capital requires careful navigation of federal and state securities laws. We assist clients in structuring offerings that qualify for available exemptions from registration (private placements), preparing offering documents and disclosures, and ensuring that investor communications and solicitation practices comply with regulatory requirements. Our attorneys advise issuers on selecting the appropriate exemption, managing subscription and compliance processes, and avoiding common pitfalls that can create unnecessary legal exposure.