Corporate Finance

We act for many financial institutions on all aspects of Corporate banking and finance matters. These include the major banks, corporate borrowers and non-bank lenders. Our specialist team will draft facility agreements, guarantee security and inter-creditor documentation. We can also give advice with regards to maintenance of share capital and offer independent advice to guarantors.

At Eric Robinson Solicitors our expert team can also advise in relation to secured finance, asset finance, invoice discounting and asset-specific lending agreements.

Do I need a solicitor to draft my corporate finance documents?

Ideally, you should always consult an experienced business lawyer before drafting or signing business contracts, loan agreements or financing documents. When you borrow money or seek investment, you may be required to provide a personal guarantee (where it is usually obligatory to seek independent legal advice) or enter into complex legal agreements. Under these circumstances, it is always advisable to seek specialist advice from a solicitor who will ensure you understand the risks and protect your best interests.

How can Eric Robinson assist with corporate finance advice?

Our highly experienced lawyers can advise businesses and financial institutions on all aspects of corporate banking and finance matters, including secured finance, asset finance, invoice discounting and asset-specific lending agreements. We can handle issues involving large or small transactions across various corporate finance activities. Eric Robinson can also advise on the maintenance of share capital and offer independent advice to guarantors.

What is Asset Based Lending?

Asset based lending (ABL) is where a loan is provided and secured upon an asset of the borrower. Assets can be anything from traditional “tangible” assets such as machinery or, equipment, through to other valuable items such as watches or jewellery. Several factors must be considered with asset-based lending, and you must understand the legal implications associated with these matters. For example, if the borrower is a limited company, then the lender should register a charge against the company at Companies House. At Eric Robinson, we have longstanding experience advising lenders and borrowers on multiple factors of asset finance and asset-based lending.

What is a debenture?

A debenture is a written loan agreement between a borrower and a lender that is registered at Companies House. Typically, debentures are used by banks, factoring companies, or an invoice discounter to take security for their loans over the borrower’s assets. However, a director who has invested or lent money into their own company could take a debenture to secure the loan. A debenture cannot be taken over a sole trader or standard partnership; it can only be taken on a limited liability partnership or a limited company. We have specialist experience advising both lenders and borrowers and can help draft, negotiate, and advise on debentures and other areas of asset-based loans.

What is invoice financing?

Invoice financing is a way a business can generate funds by assigning outstanding debt due in unpaid invoices to a finance company. Typically, this can be up to around 80% of the value of the debts assigned to the balance, less charges, being payable when the customers pay. Invoice financing involves different solutions, including factoring or invoice discounting. Invoice discounting is usually more confidential (where your customers won’t know you are using a finance provider), and you will typically continue to be responsible for chasing the invoices yourself. With factoring, the lender will generally pursue these debts for you so your customers might know you are in receipt of finance. Before you engage in any funding agreement, it is recommended that you speak to a specialist in this area. At Eric Robinson, our highly experienced solicitors can help you draw up all the arrangements and implement the processes. We also offer services to factoring and invoice discounting funders.