Corporate & Commercial Law
Uncomplicated, Expert Advice.
The Hitch team understand what its means to be in business and are well versed on all areas of Corporate and Commercial Law. We take the time to understand your business, your industry and proactively advise you on legal issues and risks.
Corporate and Commercial Law
Our Business is to support Your Business
Hitch Advisory provides a full suite of services across all areas of Corporate and Commercial Law for businesses of all sizes, industries and growth phases. With specialist expertise in the Retail and Franchising, Pharmaceutical, Childcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Health and Technology sectors.
Corporate and Commercial Services
Commercial Agreements
Hitch Advisory are experts at drafting and negotiating all commercial contracts, across a variety of industries, including Supply and Procurement, Service Agreements, IT and SaaS Agreements, Shareholder and Ownership Agreements, Intellectual Property and Licensing, Banking, Lending and Finance Agreements, Hire and Purchase Agreements, Sale and Acquisition Contracts and more.
Ownership and Structuring
From simple family business structures to complex asset protection strategies, Hitch Advisory are experts at implementing tailored business structures. Adept at negotiating both simple and complex Shareholders, Partnership, Trust and Joint Venture Agreements, Hitch ensure your business structure and documentation are fit for purpose.
Retail Law
The Hitch Advisory team are industry experts in Retail Law, including Competition and Consumer Law, branding, supply contracts, award compliance and general strategic advice.
Compliance and Governance
The Hitch Advisory team can advise on all areas of Corporate and Business Law compliance, including Corporations Act obligations, restructures and reorganisations, board procedures and the creation and implementation of governance documents, policies, procedures and risk assessments.
Capital Raising and Employee Equity
Whether you’re raising capital, rewarding performance or securing key talent, we can develop equity solutions that suit your business.
Intellectual Property
Hitch Advisory are skilled at developing strategies to protect your intellectual property. With specific expertise in Trade Marks, IP Licensing, IP Ownership Structures, Design Registration, IP infringement and social media/internet law, the Hitch team can help you navigate the complex area of intellectual property both within Australia and in key overseas markets.
Recent Corporate and Commercial Law Activity
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Kids Club
Advising the vendor on the interdependent sale of 18 Kids Club Early Childhood Learning Centres to Affinity Group.
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BodyScience
Acting for the founders of BodyScience on general legal matters including their ultimate sale to listed Humble Group, listed in Stockholm.
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Cotton On Group
Advising the Cotton On Group on various commercial legal matters, employment law and providing in-house secondment support.
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Foodco Group
Ongoing legal advice to the Foodco Group of companies, including inhouse legal support, Franchising Law, Dispute Resolution and Leasing.
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Gunlake Quarries and Concrete Group
Advising the Gunlake Quarries and Concrete Group on various commercial legal matters including banking and financing.
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Guzman y Gomez
Ongoing legal advice to Guzman y Gomez, including inhouse legal support, Franchising Law and general Corporate and Commercial advice.
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LVLY
Acting for the founders of LVLY from startup phase through to their exit to Limitless Technology for $35M+. LVLY is Australia’s leading online flower and gifting platform.
Key Clients
Contact the Corporate and Commercial Law Team
Meet Us
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Nick Hitchens is a key advisor to a range of Australian and International businesses.
He has assisted hundreds of business owners seeking investment, divestment or acquisition with a transaction history totalling $500m+.
Nick Hitchens is an expert in advising on Shareholder and Partnership Arrangements and all other commercial contracts.
He brings a contemporary competitive approach to business and legal services. In his downtime, Nick Hitchens likes breathing the fresh air in Tassie, Crossfit and travelling the globe.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Paul Henry leads the Hitch Advisory Mergers and Acquisitions practice. He has more than 10 years’ worth of corporate and commercial experience advising clients across a variety of industries and deal sizes. Paul also has an Executive MBA and experience working in-house so he prides himself on understanding each business he works with to ensure that advice is both legally sound and commercially pragmatic. Away from work, Paul can usually be found near a sporting field, brewing his own beer or enjoying time with the family.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Joel Marshall leads the Hitch Advisory Franchising practice and is an expert in General Commercial Law. Having commenced his practice in New Zealand, Joel is well versed in assisting businesses with international expansion, structuring and strategic business advice. In his down time Joel likes surfing, fishing and exploring the great outdoors.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Lazar Krstic acts for individuals and organisations of all sizes, assisting with their start-up, transactional and dispute resolution requirements. Lazar oversees both contentious and non-contentious matters, with a particular interest in mergers & acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Law and general business and transactional matters. Lazar has extensive litigation experience, having appeared in various jurisdictions throughout Australia.
In 2020, Lazar was listed as a finalist in the Australian Lawyers Weekly – 30 Under 30 Awards (Commercial Law).
Outside of the office, he attends the gym regularly, passionately supports Chelsea Football Club and recharges his batteries by travelling the world.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Hayley Hewitt acts for a diverse client base in a range of industries, including advising Australia’s largest travel retailers, childcare operators, and property developers.
Hayley is an expert in property related transactions including the sale and purchase of both residential and commercial properties, development projects, and commercial and retail leasing.
Hayley also has extensive experience advising clients in a range of commercial transactions, with a particular focus on the childcare industry. As a result of her strong understanding of the childcare industry, Hayley regularly advises on the sale and purchase of childcare centres, together with the sale, purchase and/or leasing of land which is used or intended to be used for a childcare business.
Taking a practical approach to her work, Hayley is committed to developing and maintaining strong relationships with her clients to achieve their legal needs.
Outside of work, Hayley Hewitt enjoys relaxing at the beach, socialising, and learning Portuguese.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Benjamin Tran acts for an extensive range of individuals and corporations across different industries. In addition to general commercial law, Benjamin is particularly skilled in facilitating complex commercial and property transactions and takes a pragmatic approach when managing client needs.
In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys traversing around Australia and the rest of the world in search of excellent restaurants and bars and is particularly fond of Japan
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Jack acts for a range of corporate and retail clients, working with them to understand and manage their ongoing legal needs.
With extensive experience advising on business transactions and general commercial law, Jack’s advice reflects a strong understanding of the commercial needs of his clients.
Jack is experienced acting for clients within the pharmacy industry, advising on the setup of new pharmacies, the purchase and sale of existing pharmacies, as well as general compliance and structuring matters.
Out of the office you will often find Jack scuba diving, camping, and spending time with his family.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Joss McCay is a commercial property lawyer focused on acquisitions and disposals, leasing, and property-related disputes.
Whether you are a large corporate landholder or a first home buyer, Joss understands the importance of delivering clear, concise and timely advice.
Outside of the office, Joss enjoys travelling, learning new languages (Joss speaks Mandarin), and participating in ocean swims.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Mariah is a lawyer in the corporate and commercial team dedicated to assisting clients with all of their commercial needs with a particularly keen interest in mergers and acquisitions.
Mariah brings enthusiasm and a growing expertise to an array of different clients requiring specialised needs, including a variety of healthcare clients.
Out of the office, you will usually find Mariah exploring new restaurants and bars with family and friends.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Marnie is a lawyer in the General Commercial team and assists in commercial disputes, terms of trade, corporate structuring, commercial leasing and general contractual matters. Marnie has a particular interest in franchising and works with franchisors across various industries to assist with their ongoing legal needs.
Marnie takes a pragmatic approach to commercial matters and strives to achieve the best possible outcome for clients.
In her spare time Marnie likes to knit and walk her greyhound Peach.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Ruby is a highly motivated junior lawyer who works across both the Litigation and the General Commercial teams. Ruby is delivery-focused and detail oriented. Ruby has worked across a range of commercial and litigious matters in both the Federal and Supreme Court of NSW.
Outside of work, Ruby enjoys playing football, skiing, and travelling.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Caitlin is a lawyer in the commercial property team and has experience in a broad range of property related transactions with a particular focus on the sale and purchase of both residential and commercial properties and leasing.
In her role, Caitlin takes a practical approach and aims to deliver a quality and timely service to all of her clients to achieve their various legal needs.
Outside of the office, you will often find Caitlin either exploring new restaurants and cafes, relaxing by the beach or at the gym.
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Industry focus
BIOGRAPHY
Nikola is a lawyer in the General Commercial team and assists in the provision of advice on mergers & acquisitions, commercial disputes and general contractual matters.
Having previously worked in-house advising leading Australian and international corporations, Nik has a strong understanding of how business works and implements a practical approach to everyday advice.
Outside of the office, Nik enjoys weightlifting, boxing, and playing guitar.
How can we help you?
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