Owner-Operated Enterprises
The MLT Aikins lawyers who work with this unique brand of entrepreneur form an integrated team of advisers that helps to simplify and make sense of the complex. We offer practical, business-driven legal advice to help owner-operators focus on growing their businesses in the most efficient and productive way possible.
Owner-operators conduct their affairs in a highly dynamic environment in which the legal and business aspects of their enterprises intersect on a daily basis. They personally deal with a myriad of concerns such as contracting with suppliers, addressing business structuring, liability and tax concerns, meeting human resources challenges, arranging business financing, resolving collections and other disputes, dealing with real estate and leasing, protecting intellectual property and trade secrets, and planning for retirement and succession.
The benefit of our large, multi-office practice is that we have lawyers who are experienced advisers to owner-operators. They maintain a general business practice so they can provide legal advice on most matters that arise, and call in our lawyers with a more specialized practice – such as tax, trademarks, software licencing, labour and employment – as each situation warrants. In this way we deliver the best and most cost-effective legal service we can. For example, a lawyer advising a professional on setting up a practice may call in tax lawyers to ensure the most tax-efficient professional corporation is structured; a start-up may require intellectual property protection; a property management firm may benefit from in-depth advice on a lease; a business having trouble with collections may require advice on liens; or an owner-operator may face workforce challenges or encounter a workplace safety issue. Our practice structure allows us to quickly and efficiently assist with all the complex and unusual issues a business may face.
We advise owner-operated enterprises in many sectors, including:
- Agribusinesses, including feed mills, suppliers, implement dealers, and corporate farms
- Professional practices
- Medical clinics and extended practices
- Construction and energy service firms
- Service businesses in all parts of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the North, including transport companies, landlords, pharmacies, restaurants, software developers, and insurance.
