Iris K. Linder, Practice Group Chair
Regardless of its stage of development, your business has financing needs. Fraser Trebilcock’s attorneys can help guide you through the intricacies of obtaining debt and equity financing. They are experienced in representing businesses in financing transactions as well as representing the providers of financing, including banks and venture capital firms, in documenting their financing transactions.
Commercial Bank Loans. Most businesses borrow money from commercial lenders to finance asset purchases or to establish lines of credit. Our attorneys routinely represent both borrowers and lenders in negotiating the loan terms and drafting documents to secure loan transactions. They ensure that your loan is properly authorized, is enforceable and issue the legal opinion letters that you need to support your loan. If problems arise, they will assist you in the restructuring process.
Private Sales of Securities. When you sell stock or other investments you are at risk for personal liability. This is one of the few areas of the law where you are not protected from personal liability by using a corporation or limited liability company. If you are selling stock or other investments, our attorneys can help you identify and qualify for exemptions from registration, and help you avoid inadvertent violations of the securities laws.
Public Securities Offerings and Registrations. Sometimes it is not possible to qualify for an exemption from registration because you need too much money, need too many investors, or have a need to advertise. You may want to become a reporting company in order to create a market for stock you have already issued. Our experienced securities attorneys can help you with a single state registration, or a registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and multiple states. They can also help your company register under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to become a publicly traded company, and with the periodic reports that reporting companies are required to file with the SEC.
Venture Capital and Angel Investments. A venture capital investment may be particularly appropriate if your company needs to achieve rapid growth, cannot fit its financing needs within the confines of a traditional private placement of securities, and is not yet mature enough to be a viable candidate for a public offering or acquisition. Our attorneys have substantial experience representing venture capital firms as well as companies receiving venture capital investments. If you are seeking a venture capital investment, they can also help you structure and understand the investment.
Our attorneys also have extensive experience in representing angel investor groups in structuring their investment transactions, and in representing companies who are receiving angel investments. These transactions, which are often structured as convertible debt, typically occur early in the life of a company before it is ready to receive investment from a traditional venture capital fund.
Usury/Interest Rates. What is the maximum legal rate of interest? Fraser Trebilcock’s attorneys do not have to "reinvent the wheel" every time this question is asked. Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with the complex state and federal laws addressing usury and maximum interest rates, and can provide quick and reliable answers to your interest rate questions.
