Corporate Commercial Lawyer in Calgary – Olex Legal

Overview

Legal foundations for growing businesses.

The right structure and the right agreements protect your business, your partners and your investment. We help you get them in place early, and keep them current as you grow.

Our Calgary corporate commercial lawyers help entrepreneurs, owner-managers and established companies with incorporations, partnership, shareholder and joint venture agreements, asset or share purchases, corporate maintenance, commercial contracts and employment agreements. We think through the likely outcomes so you avoid costly disputes and regulatory problems later.

Services

From incorporation to exit.

Incorporation & Business Structure

Choosing the right structure, and Alberta or federal incorporation with share structure, bylaws and organizational resolutions done properly.

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Partnership, Shareholder & Joint Venture Agreements

Clear rules between owners and partners on decisions, contributions, profit sharing, exits and dispute resolution.

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Buying & Selling a Business

Asset or share purchases and sales, including due diligence, structuring, purchase agreements and closing.

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Corporate Maintenance & Records

Annual returns and resolutions, changes of directors and shareholders, and amendments to articles and bylaws.

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Commercial Contracts & Leases

Drafting and reviewing supplier, service and customer agreements, and negotiating commercial lease terms.

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Employment Agreements

Employment contracts, non-competition and non-solicitation terms, and review of severance packages.

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Our approach

Practical advice, built around your goals.

We start with what you're trying to achieve, then recommend the simplest structure and documents that protect it. No unnecessary complexity, and no surprises on cost.

The best time to plan for a dispute between owners is before there is one.

As your business grows, we stay on hand for the next transaction, the next partner or the next hire, so your legal foundations keep pace with your plans.

How it works

Clear steps, predictable costs.

Consultation

We learn about your business, your partners and your plans.

Structure and plan

We recommend a structure and the documents you need, with a clear cost estimate.

Draft and negotiate

We prepare the documents and negotiate terms with the other side where needed.

Close and maintain

We complete the filings or closing, and keep your corporate records up to date.

FAQs

Business law questions.

Should I incorporate my business?

It depends on your goals. Incorporation can limit personal liability and open tax planning options, but it adds setup costs and ongoing filings. We'll walk you through the trade-offs, ideally alongside your accountant.

Should I incorporate in Alberta or federally?

If you mainly operate in Alberta, an Alberta corporation is usually simplest. Federal incorporation offers name protection across Canada, but you still need to register in each province where you carry on business.

What is a shareholder agreement, and do I need one?

A shareholder agreement sets the rules between owners: how decisions are made, how shares can be sold, what happens if someone leaves, and how disputes are resolved. If your company has more than one owner, it's strongly recommended.

What is the difference between an asset purchase and a share purchase?

In an asset purchase you buy specific business assets and usually leave most liabilities behind. In a share purchase you buy the company itself, including its history and liabilities. Tax results and contract transfers differ, so the choice matters.

What filings does an Alberta corporation need each year?

Alberta corporations must file an annual return with the Corporate Registry, and should keep their minute book current with annual resolutions of directors and shareholders. We can handle this for you.

Can you review an employment agreement or severance offer?

Yes. We draft and review employment agreements for employers, and review severance packages and restrictive covenants so you understand your rights before you sign.

This information is general and is not legal advice. For advice on your business, book a consultation.

From our Resources.

Article

Top Reasons You Need a Lawyer When Buying an Alberta Business

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Corporate Commercial Law