Comprehensive Business Planning & Formation Services

Harris & Bowker LLP serves new, emerging and mature businesses with special emphasis on family-owned and closely-held entities. We have extensive experience working with business clients on routine matters, long range planning and succession planning strategies.

Our experience extends to limited liability companies, C and S corporations, partnerships and other business forms.

We advise clients on all aspects of entity and business formation, relations between owners, agreements with key employees, relationships with lessors, customers, suppliers and distributors as well as day-to-day business matters.

We assist business owners in planning for transfer of ownership to succeeding generations, selling the business or expanding by acquiring other businesses. Our firm is active in representing founders in succession planning. We are experienced in representing both sellers and buyers of businesses.

Services we provide:

  • Develop and organize companies, including the formation of limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships and subsidiaries
  • Advise about shareholder rights and remedies
  • Negotiate various contracts, including buy-sell agreements and similar arrangements
  • Structure, negotiate and document business transactions, including loans and leases
  • Structure and document non-qualified and management incentive programs, such as phantom stock plans and other incentive programs
  • Structure, negotiate and document business acquisitions and sales
  • Prepare Annual Minutes, maintain corporate records and act as Registered Agent

We work with clients and their tax advisors to determine and optimize tax-effective strategies. A crucial part of this function is ensuring entity documents comport with how the business operates.

Key Focus Areas

  • Entity Formation & Structure
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Transactions
  • Owner Relations & Agreements
  • Business Acquisitions & Sales

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about business planning

Should I form an LLC or corporation for my business?

LLCs offer operational flexibility while corporations provide better options for raising capital and employee incentives.

  • LLCs have simpler tax reporting and management structure
  • Corporations allow stock options and easier investor participation
  • S-Corps provide tax advantages for profitable small businesses
  • C-Corps better for businesses seeking outside investment
  • Choice depends on growth plans and ownership structure

What is a buy-sell agreement?

A buy-sell agreement governs current business ownership and controls what happens to business ownership when an owner leaves, retires, or dies. It can also assist in resolving disputes among owners.

  • Essential for any multi-owner business
  • Sets valuation method for ownership interests
  • Requires or allows buyout in specific situations
  • Prevents unwanted outside ownership
  • Provides funding through insurance and payment terms

What is business succession planning?

Business succession planning prepares for ownership transfer to family members, employees, or third-party buyers.

  • Assists in identifying and developing successor leadership
  • Structures tax-efficient ownership transfers
  • Creates timeline for gradual transition
  • Addresses valuation and financing issues
  • Helps ensure business continuity and family harmony

Do I need operating agreements, bylaws or other agreements between owners?

Yes, operating agreements for LLCs, bylaws for corporations, and other agreements between owners or any entity help prevent and resolve disputes and provide operational structure.

  • Essential for entity protection and operation
  • Defines each owner’s rights and responsibilities
  • Establishes management structure and voting procedures
  • Governs ownership and limits transferability of ownership interests, so the owners know who their co-owners will be in the future
  • Sets rules for adding or removing owners
  • Provides for dispute resolution

What are phantom stock plans?

Phantom stock plans reward valued employees with cash bonuses tied to business value increases without giving actual stock or LLC ownership.

  • Provides ownership-like incentives without diluting control
  • Allows for cash bonuses based on company value growth
  • Avoids legal complications of actual stock
  • Retains employees through vesting schedules
  • Tax-deductible for the business when payments are made

How do I buy or sell a business in Oregon?

Business transactions require contract negotiation, due diligence, and proper legal documentation to protect all parties.

  • Attorney guidance prevents costly mistakes and disputes
  • Financial and legal due diligence reveals potential issues
  • Careful drafting of the purchase agreement governing the transaction protects all parties

What ongoing legal services do businesses need?

Businesses often need ongoing review of contracts, entity maintenance, and strategic planning as they grow and evolve.

  • Annual corporate minutes
  • Regular review of ownership and succession plans
  • Contract development for customers, suppliers, and others
  • Acquisition opportunities and expansion planning

Work with experienced attorneys who understand your needs. Contact Harris & Bowker LLP today for sophisticated legal counsel.

Schedule a Consultation (503) 293-0073