--- title: "Complementary expertise. A cross-disciplinary approach." url: https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise lang: en description: "The legal issues businesses face frequently cross the boundaries of a single discipline. An acquisition may raise questions of company law, financing, employment or real estate law. A commercial dispute may engage a director’s liability or threaten business continuity." --- # Complementary expertise. A cross-disciplinary approach. The legal issues businesses face frequently cross the boundaries of a single discipline. An acquisition may raise questions of company law, financing, employment or real estate law. A commercial dispute may engage a director’s liability or threaten business continuity. ## Company law — Corporate & M&A *Structure. Grow. Transfer.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS advises entrepreneurs, executives, shareholders and investors on corporate law and mergers and acquisitions, from its Paris and Salon-de-Provence offices. The firm acts from incorporation through to business transfer: governance, shareholders’ agreements, capital transactions, acquisitions, disposals and warranty and indemnity arrangements. ### Supporting the decisions that shape the business From incorporation to transfer, the life of a business is marked by decisions that shape its organisation, its share capital and its future. GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists entrepreneurs, executives, shareholders and investors in structuring and completing their transactions. Our role goes well beyond drafting documents. It rests on a clear understanding of the economic objectives of the transaction, the interests at stake and the risks that could jeopardise its completion. ### Our services - Company formation and structuring - Corporate governance - Shareholders’ agreements - Share capital transactions - Share acquisitions and disposals - Sale of a business as a going concern - Legal due diligence - Restructurings - Business transfers and succession - Warranties and indemnities ### Your challenges **Are you preparing an acquisition?** We handle the structuring, negotiation and securing of the transaction, from the letter of intent through to closing. **Are you planning to transfer your business?** We prepare the sale and protect your interests throughout the process. **Are you in dispute with a fellow shareholder?** We analyse your rights under the articles of association and shareholders’ agreements, then identify the most appropriate routes to resolution. ### Preparing for your meeting - Group structure chart - Articles of association - Shareholders’ agreements - Annual accounts - Letter of intent - Draft agreements [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/corporate-ma) ## Business Litigation *When conflict becomes strategic.* **At a glance** — Litigation lies at the heart of GAUTELIER AVOCATS’ practice. The firm advises and represents businesses and their executives in commercial, contractual and shareholder disputes, before the courts and in out-of-court negotiations, from urgent interim measures through to enforcement of the judgment. ### Defending with method. Acting with determination. Litigation can be a defining moment in the life of a business. A commercial dispute, a conflict between shareholders or a liability claim may put far more at stake than the outcome of the proceedings: the continuity of a relationship, the protection of an asset, a company’s reputation or the stability of its governance. GAUTELIER AVOCATS acts in the prevention, management and resolution of disputes, before the competent courts as well as in out-of-court negotiations. We assess what is really at stake before setting the strategy: negotiation, formal notice, evidence, urgent relief or proceedings on the merits. Each strategy is built around the client’s objectives, the available evidence, the procedural timetable, the financial risks and the scope for settlement. When court action is unavoidable, we prepare and conduct the defence rigorously, from urgent measures through to enforcement of the decision. ### Our services - Commercial and contractual disputes - Shareholder disputes - Directors’ liability - Termination of established commercial relationships - Unfair competition - Debt recovery - Summary proceedings and protective measures - Court-appointed expert proceedings - Pre-litigation and amicable negotiations - Enforcement of judgments ### Your challenges **Have you been served with a writ of summons?** We promptly review the applicable deadlines, the claims brought against you and the defences available. **Is your counterparty failing to perform?** We gather the evidence and identify the levers for action, from formal notice to court proceedings. **Is a shareholder dispute paralysing the company?** We examine the governance and the balance of power while safeguarding business continuity. ### Preparing for your meeting - Contracts - Correspondence - Formal notices - Writs - Judgments - Invoices - Evidence and a timeline of events [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/business-litigation) ## Restructuring & Insolvency *Anticipate. Protect. Recover.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists businesses, executives, shareholders, creditors and buyers facing economic and financial difficulties: preventive procedures (ad hoc mandate, conciliation), collective insolvency proceedings (safeguard, receivership, liquidation), proofs of claim and court-approved acquisitions of distressed businesses. ### Acting before the options narrow Economic and financial difficulties call for a rapid assessment of the situation and a sound command of the legal mechanisms available. GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists businesses, executives, shareholders, creditors and buyers through periods of financial strain, preventive procedures and collective insolvency proceedings. Acting early enough often opens up a much wider range of solutions. ### Our services - Early-warning and prevention - Ad hoc mandate - Conciliation - Safeguard proceedings - Judicial reorganisation - Judicial liquidation - Filing and challenging proofs of claim - Directors’ liability - Sale plans - Court-approved acquisitions of distressed businesses ### Your challenges **Is your cash flow under pressure?** We explain the preventive mechanisms available and the obligations incumbent upon the company’s management. **Are you a creditor of a company in insolvency proceedings?** We protect your rights: proof of claim, retention of title claims, security interests and challenges. **Do you wish to acquire a distressed business?** We advise you on the takeover bid, its scope and the conduct of the proceedings. ### Preparing for your meeting - Annual accounts - Recent interim accounts - Cash position - Debts and receivables - Contracts - Correspondence received [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/restructuring-insolvency) ## Commercial Contracts *Secure commitments. Preserve relationships.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS negotiates, drafts, reviews and oversees the performance of business contracts: general terms and conditions of sale and purchase, services, subcontracting, distribution, partnerships, non-disclosure and framework agreements, including in an international context. ### The contract as an instrument of control Commercial relationships rest on commitments whose drafting and performance can determine the economic balance of a deal. GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists businesses in negotiating, drafting, reviewing and performing their contracts. An effective contract anticipates difficulties without stifling the business relationship. ### Our services - Commercial agreements - General terms of sale and purchase - Service agreements - Subcontracting - Distribution - Partnerships - Confidentiality - Framework agreements - International relationships - Non-performance - Termination - Pre-litigation negotiations ### Your challenges **Are you about to sign a major contract?** We identify and negotiate the sensitive clauses: liability, price, term, termination, ownership and confidentiality. **Are your terms and conditions fit for purpose?** We check that they suit your business and are enforceable against your partners. **Is a business relationship deteriorating?** We assess the options for renegotiation, suspension or termination and their consequences. ### Preparing for your meeting - Draft contracts - Terms and conditions - Correspondence - Purchase orders - Invoices - Letters and emails [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/commercial-contracts) ## Real Estate & Construction *Secure the asset. Control the risk.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS provides real estate advisory and litigation services to owners, landlords, tenants, investors and operators: commercial, professional and residential leases, lease assignments, property transactions, construction and builders’ liability, planning law, co-ownership and judicial auctions. ### Real estate: a legal and financial stake Real estate is a strategic asset for businesses, investors and owners. Property transactions require a firm grasp of contractual commitments, liabilities and the risks that may affect the value or use of a property. GAUTELIER AVOCATS advises and litigates on behalf of owners, landlords, tenants, investors and property operators. ### Our services - Commercial, professional and residential leases - Lease assignments - Property transactions - Construction - Builders’ liability - Statutory warranties - Planning law - Planning permission - Co-ownership - Construction defects - Expert proceedings - Landlord and tenant disputes - Judicial auctions ### Your challenges **Are you a landlord or tenant under a commercial lease?** We advise on drafting, performance and renewal of the lease, as well as rent reviews and notices to quit. **Has your building developed defects?** We identify the liable parties and applicable warranties and pursue the claims, including through expert proceedings. **Are you considering a property acquisition?** We analyse the legal risks of the transaction before you commit. ### Preparing for your meeting - Lease - Deed of sale - Quotes and building contracts - Handover report - Photographs - Reports - Correspondence [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/real-estate-construction) ## Employment Law *Decide with agility. Protect the employer.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS advises and represents employers on individual and collective employment matters: employment contracts, disciplinary matters, dismissals and mutually agreed terminations, incapacity, working time, pay, collective bargaining agreements, reorganisations and employment tribunal litigation. ### Supporting the employer’s decisions Managing employment relationships means reconciling legal obligations, economic necessities and human considerations. GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists employers with individual and collective employment law issues. Our approach is pragmatic, taking into account the organisation of the business and the operational consequences of the decisions under consideration. ### Our services - Employment contracts - Disciplinary matters - Dismissals - Mutually agreed terminations - Unfitness for work - Working time - Pay and benefits - Collective bargaining agreements - Reorganisations - Employee relations - Employment tribunal litigation ### Your challenges **Are you considering terminating an employment contract?** We secure the grounds for termination and compliance with the applicable procedure. **Are you planning a reorganisation?** We anticipate its employment consequences and the information and consultation requirements. **Has an employee brought a claim before the employment tribunal?** We assess the risks and conduct the company’s defence. ### Preparing for your meeting - Employment contracts - Payslips - Applicable collective agreement - Correspondence exchanged - Procedural documents [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/employment-law) ## Public Business Law *Secure projects. Manage relations with public authorities.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists businesses, local authorities and institutional players where public law meets economic activity: public procurement, public contracts, planning law, administrative permits, public liability and litigation before the administrative courts. ### Where public law meets business Dealings between businesses and public bodies are governed by specific rules that can determine whether a project goes ahead or how a contract is performed. GAUTELIER AVOCATS works alongside businesses, local authorities and institutional players wherever economic activity meets the rules of public action. The firm advises on the preparation and performance of public contracts, planning matters, administrative permits and disputes before the administrative courts. Our approach combines analysis of the regulatory constraints with a clear understanding of the project’s operational and economic imperatives. ### Our services - Public procurement - Public works, supply and service contracts - Administrative contracts - Performance and termination of contracts - Planning law - Administrative permits - Public liability - Administrative litigation - Relations between operators and public bodies ### Your challenges **Are you bidding for a public contract?** We support you from the award procedure through to performance of the contract. **Are you in dispute with a public body?** We analyse your rights and the remedies available, both amicable and contentious. **Does your project require a permit?** We identify the applicable constraints and secure the project. ### Preparing for your meeting - Tender documents - Contract - Administrative decision - Permit - Correspondence - Deeds [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/public-business-law) ## Compliance & Risk *Anticipate rather than endure.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS helps businesses analyse their regulatory obligations and put in place compliance frameworks tailored to their activity: risk mapping, audits, internal procedures, governance, personal data protection and support for senior management. ### Making compliance an instrument of control Regulatory obligations play an ever-growing role in how businesses are organised and run. Compliance cannot be reduced to a pile of procedures: it must help identify risks, secure practices and protect the organisation’s interests. GAUTELIER AVOCATS helps businesses analyse their obligations and design frameworks suited to their activity. ### Our services - Risk identification and mapping - Audits - Internal procedures - Governance - Personal data (GDPR) - Contractual compliance - Support for senior management - Prevention and handling of sensitive situations ### Your challenges **Do you want to audit your practices?** We identify your obligations and vulnerabilities, then prioritise the actions to be taken. **Do you need to structure your internal procedures?** We design proportionate frameworks that your teams can understand and apply. **Has a compliance breach been identified?** We analyse the situation and define the appropriate corrective measures. ### Preparing for your meeting - Organisation chart - Existing procedures - Contracts - Internal policies - Previous audits - Any other relevant documents [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/compliance-risk) ## Crisis Management *In an emergency, regain control of decisions.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists executives and businesses in urgent situations: governance disputes, contractual and commercial crises, cash-flow difficulties, emergency proceedings and protective measures. The firm brings a structured reading of the situation so that decisions can be taken quickly and on a sound legal footing. ### Deciding fast, on solid ground Some situations demand fast decisions in an uncertain environment and under severe time pressure. A shareholder dispute, a cash-flow crisis, the collapse of a key contract, emergency proceedings or an event that threatens the business: crisis management means prioritising risks and coordinating the response. GAUTELIER AVOCATS supports executives and businesses with the legal analysis of the situation, the setting of priorities, the preservation of evidence and rights, the preparation of sensitive decisions and the conduct of any negotiations or proceedings required. Our aim is to provide a structured reading of the situation so that decisions can be taken quickly, on a sound legal basis and in line with the interests to be protected. ### Our services - Governance disputes - Contractual and commercial crises - Urgent pre-litigation situations - Protective measures - Business difficulties - Coordination of the legal response in sensitive situations ### Your challenges **Is a dispute blocking your company’s governance?** We analyse each party’s powers and propose measures to keep the company running. **Has a key partner abruptly ended the relationship?** We assess the immediate remedies, including urgent interim relief, and secure the evidence. **Must you take a sensitive decision urgently?** We prioritise the risks and prepare a legally sound decision. ### Preparing for your meeting - Timeline of events - Relevant contracts and deeds - Correspondence - Decisions received - Imminent deadlines - Relevant financial documents - Available evidence [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/crisis-management) ## Business Formation *Create. Structure. Grow.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS helps founders and buyers of businesses set up their legal framework: choice of corporate form, articles of association, governance, shareholders’ agreements, first contracts and terms and conditions. The firm is actively involved in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, notably alongside Initiative Pays Salonais. ### Starting a business begins with structuring choices Starting a business means turning an idea into a project, and a project into a going concern. From the very first steps, decisions on legal structure, the allocation of share capital, governance and contractual commitments can have lasting consequences. GAUTELIER AVOCATS helps founders and buyers of businesses define their legal framework, laying foundations that match their ambitions, their business model and their growth prospects. Convinced that entrepreneurship is a key driver of local economic vitality, the firm is involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and in initiatives that help new ventures emerge and grow. The aim is simple: to make legal issues more accessible at the moment founding decisions are made, without compromising on rigorous analysis. ### Our services - Choice of corporate form - Drafting articles of association - Governance arrangements - Shareholders’ agreements - Protecting relations between founders - First commercial contracts - Terms and conditions - Structuring business takeovers - Anticipating legal risks ### Your challenges **Which corporate form should you choose?** We compare the possible structures in light of your project, your co-founders and your growth prospects. **Are you starting up with partners?** We set out the governance and the relationship between founders in the articles and a shareholders’ agreement. **Are you taking over an existing business?** We structure the takeover and anticipate the legal risks. ### Preparing for your meeting - Project outline - Financial forecast - Details of prospective partners - Draft contracts - Priority questions [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/business-formation) ## Private wealth structuring *Structure the assets. Secure the interests. Anticipate the risks.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS advises executives, entrepreneurs, investors and private individuals on the legal organisation of their private and business wealth: structures, shareholdings, asset protection and the defence of their interests, in both advisory work and litigation. ### Holding wealth raises issues that go beyond its value Holding wealth raises legal issues that go well beyond its value. The choice of structures, the organisation of shareholdings, the protection of assets or the anticipation of conflict: each decision commits lasting economic and family interests. The firm designs and secures wealth-holding structures, structures investments, organises relations between shareholders and defends wealth interests, both in an advisory capacity and in litigation. The approach favours control of risk, the soundness of the legal structures and anticipation of situations that could weaken the assets or the way they are held. The value of a set of assets also rests on the legal soundness of the way they are organised. ### Our services - Structuring private and business wealth - Property companies, holdings and wealth-holding companies - Protecting the executive’s assets - Investments and property structures - Organising shareholdings and governance - Transfer of companies and assets - Co-ownership and judicial division - Preventing and resolving wealth disputes - Wealth and succession litigation [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/ingenierie-patrimoniale) ## Industry *Industry sets its own constraints. The law must keep pace with its ambitions.* **At a glance** — GAUTELIER AVOCATS assists industrial companies, their executives and their partners in structuring their transactions, securing their commercial relationships and defending their interests. ### A legal decision is measured by its effect on operations In industry, a legal decision is not measured by compliance alone. It is judged by its consequences for production, investment, contractual commitments and the continuity of operations. From subcontracting agreements to strategic investments, from land issues to commercial disputes, the firm applies one standard: understand how the business actually works, and give answers that are both legally sound and economically relevant. Because a legal risk must not become an industrial risk. A plant standing idle, a challenged contract, a defaulting supplier or a compromised investment can put far more at stake than a legal dispute. The firm takes account of timetable constraints, economic balance and the operational consequences of every decision. Understand the constraints. Defend the ambitions. Legal command in the service of industrial performance. ### Our services - Manufacturing, supply and maintenance contracts - Industrial subcontracting agreements - Negotiating and securing contractual commitments - Delay penalties, non-performance and contractual liability - Termination of commercial relationships - Acquisition and sale of industrial companies - Restructurings and reorganisations - Partnerships and commercial agreements - Legally securing investments - Advising executives and shareholders - Acquisition and sale of industrial sites - Commercial leases and occupation agreements - Construction and extension projects - Planning permission and land issues - Real estate and construction disputes - Public procurement contracts - Contractual relations with public bodies - Performance and challenge of public contracts - Claims, penalties and contractual disputes - Legally securing infrastructure projects - Disputes between principals and subcontractors - Contractual default and non-performance - Recovery of commercial debts - Liability and compensation for economic loss - Negotiation, mediation and court proceedings - Protecting the company’s interests in a crisis - Legal support for reorganisations - Individual and collective employment relations - Managing industrial disputes - Employment tribunal litigation - Securing the employer’s decisions [Explore this practice](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise/industrie) ## A joined-up approach GAUTELIER AVOCATS practises across the main areas of business law, with a joined-up approach that allows each matter to be considered as a whole. Defending our clients’ interests, managing sensitive situations and dealing with public bodies are core dimensions of our business law practice. --- ## Contact details - **Salon-de-Provence** (Head office) : 109, avenue Gaston Cabrier, 13300 Salon-de-Provence - **Paris** (Paris office) : 22, rue Bréguet, 75011 Paris — By appointment only - Phone : +33 (0)4 90 50 41 58 - Email : contact@gautelier-avocat.com - Hours : Monday to Friday, 9 am – 12 pm / 2 pm – 6 pm - [Contact form](https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/contact) *Source : https://gautelier-avocats.com/en/expertise*