Warehousers and distributors are vital links in the complex system that brings products and services to people and organizations. Whether they are publicly owned corporations with national scope, or independent family businesses operating locally, our warehouse and distribution clients look to Manning Fulton to protect their interests. Our lawyers advise them on the financial, operational and regulatory issues that directly affect their business success. Founded on decades of experience in distribution and general business law, our services to them include:

• Contracts. We represent our distribution clients in negotiating distribution agreements with wholesalers, including favorable promotion and rebate provisions.
• Inventory Management and Co-ops. We negotiate software agreements to implement inventory management systems, and assist clients in facilitating inventory liquidation plans. We also have advised clients in forming purchasing co-ops.
• Common Carrier Issues. We negotiate common carrier contracts for our clients, and we have handled disputes between our clients and common carriers about delivery problems.
• Regulatory Issues. We counsel our clients on the application of state motor vehicle laws, and other state and federal laws and regulations affecting their particular industry.
• Acquisitions. We help plan, negotiate and close acquisitions of other distributing companies.
• Franchise Issues. We advise clients on preparing franchise agreements and acquiring new franchise rights. We provide counsel on state laws governing alcoholic beverage distribution relationships and the termination of those relationships.
• Employment Matters. We represent our warehouse and distribution clients on a wide variety of employment issues, including hiring decisions, employee termination and employee grievances.
• Real Estate. We regularly handle the acquisition and financing of additional warehouse space for distributors who are expanding their operations.
• Transitioning. As the tobacco industry’s role in North Carolina’s economy has continued to diminish, we have assisted numerous tobacco warehousers in changing their focus and transforming their warehouse space for other uses.
• Litigation. We assist clients in a full array of litigation matters, including contract and employment disputes, and collection matters.

Warehouse / Distribution Industry Contact Lawyers: Deborah L. Hildebran-Bachofen,  Ritchie W. Taylor