Starting a business in a new country often involves a difficult learning curve for any business.

There is a lot to understand, from tax norms and labor law to obtaining commercial licenses and other legal issues in each country. Restrepo Cañavera has several years of experience in guiding companies through the process of international expansion. We serve as your advisor and partner during strategic planning, configuration and beyond, working with you to determine what your ambitions are and to establish how they can be realized.

As an expansion partner we offer guidance on challenges such as funding requirements, tax issues, planning and the most appropriate legal forms.

Corporate legal and compliance

When you are doing business in Colombia, the team of Restrepo Cañavera can help you establish the best structure for your activity. We help you choose the most efficient and efficient legal entity and take care of all the necessary procedures. In the meantime, we make sure your business stays in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Legal structures

Our Corporate Configuration and Advisory Unit translates your business requirements into corporate structures tailored to your specific needs. We strive to provide you with the ideal structure to meet your needs in a cost-effective manner and ensure that you are in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements that apply to structures. These may include the creation of corporations, protected companies, multi-class structures, trusts, foundations and limited partnerships around the world. Structures also take into account specific licensing requirements. We continue to monitor closely with regulatory authorities and respond promptly to any queries regarding licenses and authorizations.

Configuration Process

We can support you with the incorporation process, which begins once the most appropriate legal structure has been selected. Our main services include:

  • Incorporation of legal entities (companies).
  • Preparation of documents and submission of applications to the competent authorities.
  • Preparation of the by-laws in accordance with local regulations.
  • Organization of a registered office address in the city from which it is operated.
  • Make a fully equipped operational office if necessary
  • Obtaining a local business license.
  • Establish relationships with banks and financial institutions.
  • Organization of banking and financial services in progress.

Corporate secretary

With our corporate Housekeeping service, all government decisions and applicable regulations are monitored; We keep a record of the changes and ensure that the company’s activities are adjusted accordingly. We combine our legal experience with our secretarial services to coordinate the daily activities of your local entity.

From the drafting and verification of the agreements between companies to the handling of the resignations, we take responsibility for these secondary aspects, we keep it in conformity and we communicate with you with regularity and clarity on the developments

Our secretarial services include:

  • Resolutions and appointment of the Board or Board of Directors.
  • Shareholder agreements.
  • Corporate reorganization (merger or spin-off).
  • By-laws.
  • Authorization of signatories: Follow-up of who is authorized to sign contracts.
  • Drafting of inter-company agreements (and follow-up of renewal dates), including:

* Loan agreements.

* Consulting and service contracts.

* Distribution, supply, brokerage, franchise and commercial agency contracts.

  • Follow-up of statutory changes and adjustments accordingly.
  • Assignment and transfer of shares.
  • Capital increase.
  • Dissolution and liquidation.
  • Corporate bank signature services.
  • Statutory amendments.
  • Correspondence management, corporate secretary, custody of documents and books.
  • Due Dilligence.

Corporate Governance

The companies in Colombia require local administration and control, the Corporate Governance service of Restrepo Cañavera includes:

  • Annual general meetings.
  • Composition of the Board of Directors.
  • Planning, preparation and holding of meetings of Shareholders’ Meetings and Boards of Directors.