Sale of Goods Act 1979: Primary legislation governing the transfer of business assets, implying terms about title, quality, and fitness for purpose in the sale of goods aspects of the business transfer
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982: Legislation applicable to service aspects of the business transfer, covering quality of service provisions and related obligations
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006: Known as TUPE, governs employee rights and obligations during business transfers, including the automatic transfer of employment contracts
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislation governing the transfer of customer and employee data, establishing data protection obligations and compliance requirements
Companies Act 2006: Relevant for registration and business name considerations, even in sole proprietorship transfers
Value Added Tax Act 1994: Covers VAT registration transfer considerations and tax implications of the business sale
Partnership Act 1890: May be relevant if the business structure changes during or after the transfer
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999: Governs the impact on existing business contracts and third-party rights in the context of business transfer
Misrepresentation Act 1967: Covers warranties, representations, and protection against false statements in the business sale process
Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: Applicable if the business involves regulated activities, ensuring compliance with financial services regulations
Law of Property Act 1925: Key legislation for property aspects of the business transfer if premises are involved
Landlord and Tenant Act 1954: Governs commercial property leases and tenant rights in business transfers involving leased premises
Competition Act 1998: Ensures the business transfer complies with competition law requirements and market regulations
Enterprise Act 2002: Additional competition law considerations, particularly relevant for larger business transfers that might affect market competition
