Bannon & Associates, PC
Business &
Contract Law
Practical Legal Counsel for Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Closely Held Companies
Kevin M. Bannon assists individuals, family-owned businesses, and closely held companies with business organization, contracts, governance, and transactions. His Michigan law practice since 1987 and Master of Science in Taxation inform advice shaped around each client's business and circumstances.
Call (248) 643-3343Business Counsel
Consider the structure,
terms, and next steps.
Business Formation
Business
Formation
Choosing an entity involves more than selecting a name. Ownership, management authority, liability considerations, tax treatment, and long-term succession can all affect which structure is appropriate. Kevin assists clients with organizing businesses such as:
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- C corporations
- S corporations, including consideration of an S corporation tax election where eligible
- Partnerships
- Limited liability partnerships
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a separate Michigan entity type; an eligible corporation or LLC may elect S corporation tax treatment. Formation documents and tax elections should reflect the business's ownership, operations, and plans. Kevin's legal practice and tax background help clients consider these related questions together.
Business Agreements & Governance
Business Agreements
& Governance
Written agreements describe how an organization is owned and governed, how participants work together, and what happens when circumstances change. Depending on the entity and its needs, documents may include:
- LLC operating agreements
- Corporate bylaws
- Partnership agreements
- Shareholder agreements
- Buy-sell agreements and ownership-transfer arrangements
- Employment and management agreements
- Voting and governance documents
Careful drafting and review can make roles, decision-making, responsibilities, and transfer procedures clearer and help reduce misunderstandings among owners and others working with the business.
Corporate Maintenance
Corporate
Maintenance
Business records help document how decisions were made and how ownership and governance have changed over time. Corporate and LLC maintenance may involve:
- Corporate records and meeting minutes
- Written consents and resolutions
- Stock records and ownership records
- Annual filings and company amendments
- Keeping governance documents consistent with current operations
Appropriate records and filing requirements depend on the entity, its governing documents, and applicable law. Kevin can discuss maintenance questions in the context of the business.
Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation
Understand the terms
before you agree.
Kevin drafts, reviews, and advises on agreements that shape business operations and transactions. Depending on the matter, these may include commercial contracts, service and vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, employment-related agreements, purchase and sale agreements, and bills of sale.
Reviewing an agreement before signing provides an opportunity to understand how its terms address:
- Payment and other financial terms
- Performance requirements and delivery
- Responsibility for loss, costs, and liability
- Duration, renewal, and termination
- Rights and obligations if circumstances change
Advice depends on the language of the agreement, the business context, and the goals of the parties.
Contract Questions & Disagreements
Contract Questions
& Disagreements
When a question or disagreement arises, Kevin can review the agreement, explain rights and obligations reflected in its terms, and discuss options for communicating or negotiating with the other party. Depending on the situation, a practical resolution may include clarification, revised performance arrangements, or a negotiated agreement.
The right approach depends on the facts, the contract language, and the goals and legal options available to the client.
Buying & Selling a Business
Business
Transactions
A business purchase or sale may involve transfer of ownership, assets, contracts, records, and ongoing obligations. Kevin can assist with transaction documents, ownership transfers, related contractual matters, and tax considerations that arise in the transaction.
Business succession planning also considers how ownership may be affected by retirement, disability, estate planning, or a future transfer to family members. Clear ownership arrangements and agreements can help address these transitions before they occur.
For owner-operators and closely held companies, business decisions often intersect with personal estate plans and the family's financial future.
Direct, Personal Attention
Talk with Kevin about your business.
Kevin M. Bannon · Michigan attorney since 1987 · MST, Walsh College