Finance & Banking Solicitors
Corporate
Finance That Works for Your Business, Documented Properly
Whether you are raising finance to grow, negotiating a loan facility or funding an acquisition, the right legal advice protects your position without slowing the deal down. Gurve Legal is a London commercial law firm advising SMEs, owner-managed businesses, investors and lenders on the full range of banking and finance matters.
We act for borrowers and lenders alike, so we know what each side needs from the documents and where negotiations usually stall. Timelines are tight and commercial pressure is real, so we focus on the terms that matter: covenants, events of default, security and personal exposure.
From term loans and revolving credit facilities to acquisition finance and property funding, our banking and finance solicitors give you the confidence to proceed, knowing the legal risks have been properly considered.
Free Initial Discussion
To discuss how we can help and for a no-obligation quote, call 020 7566 1188, use the Book a Discovery Call button below or WhatsApp us. We can assist wherever you are based.
“After working with Gurve Legal, I was impressed by their dedication and professionalism. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and provided the guidance I needed throughout the process.”
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Our Banking and Finance Services
Corporate Lending and Loan Facilities
We advise businesses on term loans, revolving credit facilities and working capital arrangements with high street banks, challenger lenders and private lenders. Our role is to make sure the facility reflects your commercial needs and that the security package is proportionate.
- Facility letter and loan agreement review and negotiation
- Term loans and revolving credit facilities
- Working capital and cash flow lending
- Financial covenants and events of default
Acquisition Finance
Buying a business often means combining equity and debt. We advise borrowers and lenders on acquisition finance, including funding for a management buy-out or buy-in, and coordinate the finance documents with the purchase agreement so completion runs smoothly.
- Senior, unitranche and mezzanine facilities
- Intercreditor and subordination arrangements
- Vendor loan notes and deferred consideration
- Conditions precedent and completion mechanics
Real Estate Finance
Property deals often need specialist funding. Our finance and commercial property teams work together for developers, investors and lenders, from facility terms through to title reporting and post-completion registrations.
- Development finance and construction loans
- Commercial mortgages and investment facilities
- Bridging finance
- Portfolio refinancing and lender reporting
Asset-Based Lending and Invoice Finance
Asset-based lending and invoice finance can unlock working capital from your balance sheet. We advise on the documentation and on how these facilities sit alongside existing bank debt.
- Invoice discounting and factoring agreements
- Plant, machinery and equipment finance
- Debentures and assignments of receivables
- Priority and intercreditor deeds
Growth Capital, Shareholder Loans and Venture Debt
Growing businesses often blend debt and equity. We work with our business investments team so your funding structure supports your long-term plans.
- Convertible loan agreements
- Shareholder and director loan documentation
- Venture debt and private credit facilities
- Warrants and lender equity participation
Security, Guarantees and Independent Legal Advice
Lenders usually take security over company assets and often ask directors for personal guarantees. We explain what you are signing, negotiate limits where possible and register security correctly. We also give independent legal advice to guarantors where a lender requires it.
- Debentures, fixed and floating charges
- Legal charges over property
- Personal and cross-company guarantees
- Registration of charges at Companies House
Refinancing, Restructuring and Banking Disputes
When facilities no longer fit or a business is under pressure, we negotiate amendments, waivers and refinancing, working with our restructuring and insolvency team where needed. Where a dispute arises, our dispute resolution team acts for borrowers and lenders.
- Covenant resets, waivers and amendment letters
- Standstill agreements
- Replacement facilities and refinancing
- Enforcement and breach of facility claims
Security and Lending: Key Rules for Borrowers and Lenders
Most business lending is secured, and the Companies Act 2006 sets strict rules on registering that security. Getting them wrong can leave a lender unsecured and make the loan repayable at once.
Registering charges
- A charge created by a UK company must be delivered to Companies House within 21 days beginning with the day after it is created (section 859A).
- If it is not registered in time, the security is void against a liquidator, an administrator and the company’s creditors, and the money secured becomes immediately payable (section 859H).
- Late registration needs a court order extending the period (section 859F), so the 21 day deadline is built into every completion.
Financial assistance in acquisitions
- The ban on a company giving financial assistance for the purchase of its own shares now applies only where a public company is involved: assistance for acquiring shares in a public company, given by that company or its subsidiaries (section 678), or assistance by a public company for acquiring shares in its private holding company (section 679).
- A private target company can usually grant security for its buyer’s acquisition loan, but its directors must still be satisfied the decision promotes the success of the company.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
SME and Owner-Managed Business Focus
Many finance teams are built around large institutional deals. We focus on SMEs, growing businesses and owner-managed companies that need quality advice delivered quickly and in proportion to the transaction.
We Act for Borrowers and Lenders
Experience on both sides tells us what lenders will accept, where they will push back and which points are worth fighting for. That helps deals complete faster with fewer surprises.
Joined-Up Advice Across the Deal
Finance rarely stands alone. A buy-out involves corporate, employment and finance documents at once, and a property purchase needs real estate and lending advice in parallel. Our teams work together on your transaction.
Clear Advice on Personal Exposure
Directors are often asked to sign guarantees and security they have not read in full. We explain the personal risks in plain English so you can make an informed decision before you sign.
Gunea Luthra
Senior Solicitor
Leads our banking and finance work
View Gunea’s profile
Frequently Asked Questions
For anything beyond a simple overdraft, yes. Facility agreements contain covenants, default triggers and security terms that can have serious consequences, and many lenders require the borrower to be legally represented.
A debenture is a security document giving a lender fixed and floating charges over a company's assets. If the company defaults, the lender can enforce against those assets, for example by appointing an administrator.
A charge must be delivered to Companies House within 21 days beginning with the day after it was created. Missing the deadline makes the security void against a liquidator, administrator and creditors.
Only once you fully understand it. A guarantee can put your personal assets, including your home, at risk if the company defaults. Lenders often require independent legal advice first, and some terms, such as caps, can be negotiated.
Usually yes. The ban on financial assistance now applies only to public companies and their subsidiaries, although the directors must still act in the company's best interests when giving security.
A covenant breach is usually an event of default, which may allow the lender to demand repayment or enforce security. Lenders often agree a waiver or reset if approached early, so take advice as soon as a breach looks likely.
Speak to Our Banking and Finance Solicitors
Whether you are raising finance for the first time, refinancing an existing facility or facing a dispute with your lender, we can help. Tell us about the transaction and we will set out the next steps.
Get in touch with us
Related Services
Management Buy-Ins and Buy-Outs
Legal support for management teams buying the business they run or want to run.
Business Investments
Advice for investors and companies on equity and debt investment terms.
Property Financing
Legal advice on development funding, commercial mortgages and property finance.