Corporate Structuring and Business Transactions
The Scopelitis firm provides legal assistance concerning virtually all corporate and business matters, including initial corporate structuring and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, tax, insurance, real estate, financing, commercial law, bankruptcy, and general contract review. Although substantially deregulated, the trucking industry seeks our assistance in obtaining all necessary operating authorities, licenses, and permits as well as ongoing advice on the legal needs of a motor carrier. When appropriate, we structure or restructure corporations and other business entities to obtain tax benefits, liability protection, and transportation operational efficiencies.
Motor carriers will often enter into significant agreements with shippers, owner-operators, fuel and equipment suppliers, or others, which we assist our clients in reviewing. In so doing, we do not limit ourselves to the agreements but also review the transaction itself to create value or find a better way to accomplish the goal. We assist our clients in obtaining financing, whether through traditional lenders, venture capitalists, or other sources and in reviewing related documents. When a motor carrier seeks to expand through mergers and acquisitions, we are involved in structuring the transaction, the due diligence process, negotiating the "deal," and drafting the agreements. We also help our clients find an appropriate purchaser or an appropriate acquisition for their business.
When motor carriers look to expand their operations, whether into foreign countries or through state-of-the-art technology, the Scopelitis firm assists in bringing about the desired expansion. We help interpret NAFTA, negotiate joint venture agreements, create foreign entities, find useful foreign partners, navigate the numerous and different foreign customs and laws, and help establish operations outside the United States. We draft and/or review computer hardware, software, network, and service agreements; mobile communications and tracking equipment and software agreements; and Internet-related agreements. We also assist in addressing complicated and often overlapping personal property tax laws of the various states.
Our corporate and business trucking industry clients also include shippers, brokers, logistics companies, and many of the businesses that support the trucking industry. The Scopelitis firm combines general business and transportation law counsel to assist such clients in their operations relative to the trucking industry.