Retail and consumer goods businesses balance long-term commitments, like supply and franchise agreements, against sales channels that change quickly.
We help owners get good terms on the commitments, keep their wholesale terms current, and set clear terms for partners who use the brand as the business grows.
How We Help Retail and Consumer Goods Companies
Formation and Owner Agreements
Entities and company agreements that set ownership, management and buyout terms among co-owners.
Vendor and Supplier Agreements
Supply, manufacturing and private label agreements that set pricing, quality and delivery terms.
Wholesale and Distribution
Agreements with retailers, wholesalers and distributors, including territories and minimums.
Franchise Agreements
Review of the disclosure document and franchise agreement for retail franchisees before they sign.
Brand Licensing
License, co-branding and private label terms that control how partners use the brand.
Acquisitions and Growth
Buying or selling stores and brands, including assigning the store lease as part of the deal, and bringing on investors.
Who We Work With
Disputes
Our litigation team represents retailers and consumer goods companies in disputes with landlords, vendors, distributors and business partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call us at (817) 631-8842 or send a message.
Ask a QuestionCan the buyer of a retail business end up owing the seller's sales tax?
Yes. Under Texas tax law, a buyer of a business or its inventory must hold back enough of the price to cover the seller's unpaid state taxes until the seller shows a Comptroller receipt that they were paid or a certificate that nothing is due. A buyer that doesn't hold back the money can owe those taxes itself. We build the certificate into the closing timeline.
Can we let another company sell products under our brand?
Yes, through a written license that sets which names, logos and designs the other company may use, on which products and where, your quality standards and approval rights, royalties and sales reporting, and what happens to leftover inventory when the license ends. If you also charge a required fee and control how the licensee runs its business, check whether the arrangement could be treated as a franchise. Our sales, licensing and distribution contracts page covers these agreements.
What should a retail franchisee review before signing?
The franchise disclosure document and the franchise agreement. The franchisor generally must provide the disclosure document a set period before you sign or pay anything. Look closely at the fees, the territory, renewal and transfer rights, the personal guaranty and any non-compete after the franchise ends. Our franchise law page covers the process.
Our Practice Areas
- Business AcquisitionsWe represent buyers and sellers of Texas businesses, from the first letter of intent through closing and the handoff that follows.Learn More
- Startups, Entity Formation, and Venture CapitalWe help founders and owners form the right entity, set clear ownership terms, raise capital and keep their companies in good order as they grow.Learn More
- Business Counsel and ContractsWe act as outside counsel for established companies and handle the contracts a business signs every week, from vendor and customer agreements to franchise documents.Learn More
- Commercial Litigation and Dispute ResolutionWe resolve business disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and trial, with a plan built around what the client needs from the outcome.Learn More
Request a Consultation
Initial consultations are held by Zoom and typically last 20 to 30 minutes.