• Business & Tax

    Joint Ventures

    Joint ventures are increasingly used by companies seeking to expand internationally, develop new products or share operational capabilities. They allow businesses to combine resources, knowledge and market access to achieve objectives that would be difficult to reach independently.

    At Del Canto Chambers, we advise on the creation, structuring and operation of joint ventures across multiple jurisdictions. Our lawyers and tax specialists ensure that every alliance is properly planned, documented and compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Legal Services

Types of joint venture

Joint ventures can take many forms depending on the level of integration and duration of the collaboration. We advise on both domestic and cross-border arrangements, including:

  • Joint ventures
  • Strategic alliances
  • Partnerships
  • Shareholder agreements
  • Agency agreements

Every joint venture must be carefully tailored to the specific goals and structure of the parties involved. Our services include:

  • Advising on structuring and negotiation
  • Drafting and reviewing agreements (NDAs, MoUs and final contracts)
  • Providing tax and regulatory guidance in Spain, the UK and the EU
  • Assisting international firms in establishing offices or operations in Europe
 

Joint ventures can provide substantial opportunities, including access to new markets, shared risk and economies of scale. However, they require careful planning and precise legal execution to avoid governance or valuation issues later on.

Why form a joint venture

A joint venture can offer significant advantages for growth and diversification, such as:

New product or service development through shared expertise and innovation

Expansion into new markets using an established partner’s distribution or local presence

Bundling products and services to increase competitiveness

Brand endorsement and credibility through strategic partnerships

Shared marketing resources that increase efficiency and reach

Joint venture legal structure

A joint venture is typically a temporary or project-based business arrangement where two or more independent firms create a separate legal entity to pursue a defined purpose.

Each company maintains its own structure and independence but contributes resources, capital or expertise to the jointly owned entity. The form of agreement varies depending on commercial and jurisdictional factors, but should always include clear provisions on:

  • Agreement scope and objectives
  • Joint control and governance
  • Pooling of resources and expertise
  • Profit and loss sharing
  • Duration and dissolution terms

Because structure directly affects legal protections and taxation, engaging experienced legal and tax advisors from the outset is critical. Changing the structure later can be complex and costly.

Managing a joint venture is also inherently complex, especially across jurisdictions. We provide strategic guidance at every stage, from formation to exit planning.

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Examples of joint ventures

We have advised on numerous joint ventures across Europe and the Middle East, including:
● AS Arabia – representing AS, the leading Spanish-language sports newspaper, in a joint venture between Grupo PRISA and Dar Al Sharq (Qatar).
● Huffpost Arabi – advising on legal and tax matters for the joint venture between Integral Media Group and Arianna Huffington’s Huffington Post.
● Observatorio de Habla Hispana – negotiating the creation of a joint research initiative between the London School of Economics and El País.
We also assist clients with restructuring or dissolving joint ventures when commercial goals change, ensuring a smooth and transparent exit strategy.
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Agency and representation

In addition to joint ventures or partnerships, we assist clients in drafting agency and representation agreements. An agency relationship allows an independent professional or company to promote commercial transactions on behalf of another party in exchange for remuneration. This structure is often used to expand into new markets, generate leads and increase brand visibility without establishing a permanent presence. We ensure that agency agreements are clearly drafted, defining the scope of authority, remuneration terms and termination clauses to protect all parties involved.

How we can help

Our team combines international tax, corporate and commercial expertise to guide clients through all stages of a joint venture, from strategic planning and negotiation to execution and exit.

  • Advise on optimal legal and tax structures
  • Draft and negotiate joint venture and partnership agreements
  • Coordinate cross-border compliance and regulatory matters
  • Develop exit and dissolution plans where required
 

We have advised clients in Spain, the Middle East and Latin America, working alongside local auditing and tax firms to ensure compliance and seamless coordination.

Every detail matters in a joint venture, and our experience ensures that no aspect is overlooked, from protecting intellectual property to defining governance and profit-sharing mechanisms.