Mergers & Acquisitions

Understanding M&A Transactions

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) refers to the area of legal practice that focuses on the laws, regulations, and transactions related to the consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions. In essence, M&A legal practice area pertains to the body of law and practices involved in helping business entities strategically align, purchase, sell, divide, or combine businesses or business assets.

Our law firm offers a suite of Merger & Acquisition (M&A) services for small and medium-sized businesses, designed to navigate the complex legal, regulatory, and operational considerations these transactions entail. These services typically begin with pre-deal evaluations, including due diligence to assess potential risks and benefits of the proposed transaction, examining the target company’s financial standing, contracts, employee agreements, intellectual property, real property, and any litigation risks. This process aims to ensure a clear understanding of the target’s obligations, liabilities, and assets.

Our law firm also assists in structuring the deal, advising on the most beneficial way to execute the transaction for our clients, whether it be a merger, an acquisition, or a joint venture. This includes determining the appropriate acquisition vehicle, setting up new business entities if necessary, and advising on financing options.

Another crucial part of our M&A services is the negotiation and drafting of the acquisition agreement. Our ultimate goal is to protect our clients’ interests, addressing key issues such as purchase price adjustments, representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, confidentiality agreements, and closing conditions.

Post-closing, our law firm may assist in the integration process. We assist with legal matters related to the merger of operations, harmonizing corporate cultures, and resolving any legal issues that arise during the transition. This may include employee matters, consolidation of corporate entities, intellectual property transfers, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Finally, our law firm also offers ancillary services that often arise in M&A transactions, such as intellectual property strategy, business entity strategy, and employment law counseling. By offering a suite of M&A services, our law firms aims to provide a one-stop legal solution for small and medium-sized businesses navigating the complex process of mergers and acquisitions.

Mergers vs. Acquisitions – What Do They Mean?

From a legal perspective, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent two distinct forms of corporate consolidation, each with its own implications and processes.

A merger, in legal terms, refers to the process whereby two or more separate entities combine to form a single new entity. In a typical merger, the original companies cease to exist, and their assets and liabilities become that of the newly formed entity. Depending on the terms of the merger, shareholders of the original companies often become shareholders in the new entity. There are different types of mergers like horizontal merger (between competitors), vertical merger (between customer and company), and conglomerate merger (between companies in different industries). The specific legal processes for a merger include negotiation, due diligence, agreement drafting, and obtaining necessary shareholder/member and regulatory approvals.

An acquisition, on the other hand, is the purchase of one company by another, wherein the acquiring company effectively controls the target company. The target company may continue to exist as a separate legal entity, or it may be fully absorbed into the acquiring company, depending on the terms of the acquisition. In this case, the ownership changes hands and the control of the company’s assets and operations is transferred to the acquiring company. Like in a merger, acquisitions also require negotiation, due diligence, agreement drafting, and may require shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The choice between a merger and an acquisition often depends on strategic objectives, financial considerations, cultural compatibility, and legal and regulatory implications. While they share similarities in process, the legal and operational outcomes can be quite different.

Stock or Membership Unit/Interest Purchase vs. Asset Purchase

From a legal standpoint, a Stock or Membership Unit/Interest Purchase and an Asset Purchase represent two distinct strategies for acquiring another business, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and implications.

In a Stock or Membership Unit/Interest Purchase, the buyer acquires ownership in the target company by purchasing a majority, or all, of its stock or membership units/interests. This means that the buyer effectively steps into the shoes of the previous owners, assuming all the assets, liabilities, and obligations of the target company, whether they are known or unknown. This form of acquisition allows for a seamless transition of the business, including its contracts, licenses, and permits, which could be beneficial if the company’s value is closely tied to these items. However, it also means the buyer is potentially exposed to undisclosed or unknown liabilities. Due diligence is especially important in these transactions to uncover any potential risks or liabilities.

An Asset Purchase, on the other hand, involves the buyer purchasing specific assets and possibly assuming certain liabilities of the target company, rather than buying the company itself. This allows the buyer to pick and choose the assets and liabilities it wishes to acquire, providing the opportunity to leave behind undesirable liabilities. However, significant legal work may be needed to identify, value, and transfer the individual assets and liabilities, and third-party consents may be required to transfer certain assets like contracts and licenses.

Deciding between a Stock or Membership Unit/Interest Purchase and an Asset Purchase often hinges on various factors, including the nature of the target company’s business, the buyer’s strategic objectives, tax considerations, and potential liability exposure.

Selecting The Appropriate Business Acquisition Structure

When structuring a business acquisition, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a stock purchase versus an asset purchase.

In a stock purchase, the buyer acquires all of the company’s stock, effectively taking over ownership and control of the entire entity, including its assets, contracts, and liabilities. The key advantage of a stock purchase for the buyer lies in its simplicity and continuity. The buyer acquires the entire company, avoiding the complex task of identifying, valuing, and transferring individual assets. This transaction structure is often beneficial if the target company has valuable contracts or licenses that might be difficult to transfer. However, a significant drawback of a stock purchase for the buyer is that they assume all of the target’s liabilities, including any undisclosed or unknown ones. Thus, a rigorous due diligence process is crucial.

For the seller in a stock purchase, the main advantage is the ability to completely divest from the company and its associated liabilities, providing a clean break. Furthermore, a stock sale is generally treated as a capital gain for tax purposes, which may be taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income. However, the potential disadvantage is that buyers might discount the purchase price to account for the risk of undisclosed or unknown liabilities, thereby possibly reducing the seller’s net proceeds.

In contrast, an asset purchase involves the buyer purchasing specific assets and possibly assuming certain liabilities of the target company. For the buyer, the main advantage is the ability to cherry-pick the assets and liabilities they wish to acquire, potentially leaving behind undesirable ones. This can help mitigate the risk of inheriting unknown liabilities. Additionally, the buyer can often “step-up” the tax basis in the purchased assets, leading to future tax deductions. The disadvantage is that asset purchases can be more complex and time-consuming. They often require identification, valuation, and transfer of individual assets. Some assets such as contracts and licenses may require third-party consents to transfer, leading to potential complications.

For the seller, an asset sale may result in higher taxes as certain assets may be subject to ordinary income tax rates, and there’s often a double taxation issue for C corporations. However, an asset sale allows the seller to potentially retain parts of the business or certain assets, offering flexibility. Both strategies come with their own unique considerations and potential complications, and the decision on how to structure a business acquisition will depend on the specific circumstances of the deal and the strategic goals of the parties involved.

Quick Note On Transferring Business Contracts and Trademarks

In an asset purchase transaction, transferring business contracts and federal trademarks requires careful attention to specific legal procedures and potentially obtaining necessary consents.

Firstly, the transfer of business contracts can involve multiple layers of complexity. Many contracts include change-of-control or assignment clauses that require the consent of the other party (or parties) to the contract before they can be transferred. In an asset purchase, where contracts are among the assets being sold, it’s crucial to review all such contracts to determine if consent is necessary. If so, the buyer and seller typically work together to obtain these consents prior to closing. Failure to obtain necessary consents could potentially nullify the contract or give the other party the right to terminate, affecting the value and operation of the purchased business. In some cases, if consent cannot be obtained, the parties may structure the transaction so that the seller retains the contract and provides the services or benefits to the buyer under a separate agreement.

Secondly, federal trademarks are considered valuable assets and are usually part of the sale in an asset purchase transaction. The transfer of registered and pending federal trademarks is done through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The transfer, legally known as an “assignment,” must be documented in a written agreement, specifically describing each trademark to be transferred. The assignment must be recorded with the USPTO’s Assignment Recordation Branch, along with payment of the required fee. Notably, to transfer a trademark application or registration, the owner must also transfer the “goodwill” associated with the mark.

The process of transferring business contracts and federal trademarks in an asset purchase transaction can be complex, time-consuming, and legally nuanced, requiring cooperation between the parties and their professionals to ensure accurate completion and to avoid future disputes.

Contact Our Chicago Business Attorneys

We understand that every merger or acquisition represents not only a significant financial transaction but also a crucial strategic decision that can shape the future of your business. Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to purchase a business, a professional aiming to expand your practice, or a business owner considering the acquisition of a competitor, our experienced business attorneys can provide you with the guidance and expertise you need to navigate the complex process with confidence.

We offer a suite of M&A services, from conducting thorough due diligence to negotiating deal terms, drafting comprehensive agreements, and securing regulatory approvals. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to address your specific challenges and to help you capitalize on your opportunities.

We would be delighted to learn more about your business and M&A needs and to discuss how our services can add value to your transaction. We encourage you to reach out to us to schedule a consultation. It only takes a minute to complete our contact form, and our attorneys make every effort to respond to all inquiries.