John Snelgrove | Partner Dip Law (LPAB) 1977 t: 61 (2) 8231 6240 e: john.snelgrove@curwoods.com.au   Business Services

Main areas of practice

Business Services including business formation, structuring, operational transactions, vehicles to carry on business (such as companies, trusts, partnerships, joint ventures), shareholder agreements and changes in ownership, property and disputes.

Background

John is a Law Society of New South Wales Accredited Specialist in Business Law with nearly 30 years’ experience advising a diverse client base. 

Experience

John heads the firm's Business Services practice, a growing area in the firm and one which concentrates on small to medium sized enterprises and high net worth individuals.  The team advises on transactions with a value of up to $50 million.

Recent work John has led include:

• Advised Queensland based company on the $7.5 million sale of its glass manufacturing business.  The sale involved part vendor finance and a lease back of property, together with a management agreement covering interests related to the former owner.
• Advised the largest regional outdoor advertising company in Australia on its divestment to another group in an innovative arrangement which saw all operational activities, financial performance, cash management and staff integrated from 1 September 2008 and the sale of the whole of the issued share capital in two stages.  The total consideration was $40 million. 
• Advised a chartered accountant firm on the sale of its business in conjunction with the sale of a smaller firm inMelbourne.  The transaction was facilitated by an ASX listed company taking up an investment stake with the two firms of accountants in order to capitalize on investment advisory work.  The transaction involved a range of related activities including shareholders agreement, funding agreements, restraints of trade, licensing agreement and property leases.
• Advised venture capitalists and product suppliers in relation to the establishment of a new food franchise in Australia with the first outlet now operating in Australia Square,Sydney.
• Advised telecommunications services providers on a range of operational issues such as tendering and pre-contract negotiations, post-contract issues and disputes. 
• Made applications for and advised one of the largest retail entities in Australia in relation to a dispute about competing marks and registration.
• Acted for the owner-developer on the acquisition to completion of a large scale property development, the project involving property related activities including Land & Environment Court Appeals, construction contracts and disputes.

Professional activities

John is an avid supporter of community and pro bono activities.  He is an active member of Sydney Rotary and is a member of its Youth Committee which sees him involved in various youth related projects.  He is also the solicitor for the Sydney High School Foundation and is a director of the Matana Foundation for Young People, a philanthropic Foundation associated with one of his clients.  He is also involved in supporting artists, especially young artists.  In 2008 John masterminded the firm’s Artist in Residence Program for emerging artists, a project which culminated in a public art exhibition being held in the forecourt of Australia Square and substantial funds being raised for charity.

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