Five Phases of a Deal from a Sell-Side Perspective
M&A can be complex. For most sellers, it is a one-time event and likely their most significant financial transaction in life. Given the complexity and the stakes, many sellers can be confused as to what is essential and where to focus. I understand. To help, I created the below infographic as a cheat sheet for sellers to organize the various advisors involved, the different phases of their transaction, and what the seller should be focused on.
Most importantly, sellers need to keep their eyes on their business during the sale transaction. As obvious as it sounds, a seller has not sold his/her business until the deal closes (and the money hits their account!). Deals can be exhausting, and deal fatigue can set in. Plus, buyers can lure sellers into a sense of combination that is not yet legally transacted. Don’t make this mistake. If the deal does not close (for whatever reason), the seller needs to be able to move forward with the business. Don’t lose sight of your prize.
Further, sellers should weigh the transaction details through two lenses. First, the seller needs to understand the purchase price and how the price will be paid. Second, the seller needs to understand trailing liabilities. This is a big item as most sellers do not need to worry about personal liability for their business during the operational phase. However, most buyers make a seller guarantee all aspects of their business in a transaction. Again, M&A can be complex. Make certain to hire good advisors to provide practical advice.
ABOUT MIKE MERCURIO
Mike Mercurio | [email protected] | 301.575.0332
Michael N. Mercurio is a leading attorney in the field of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). He serves as outside general counsel in buy-side and sell-side M&A, as well as in all business law and real estate law matters. As a strategic partner to firm clients, Mr. Mercurio regularly counsels entrepreneurial individuals and assorted entities on the many challenges, issues, and opportunities companies face throughout the business lifecycle—from start-up to eventual exit.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we focus on furthering our clients’ objectives and provide timely services and within budget, all while focusing on the clients’ interests and goals.
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States. With over 230 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well-positioned to meet dynamic businesses’ needs, as well as the needs of the people who own and operate them. We also provide representation of individuals and families in diverse matters ranging from estate planning and asset protection to intellectual property structuring and entrepreneurial start-ups. Our International Group provides clients with a broad range of services for transactions and dispute representation for clients worldwide, including Europe, Canada, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
At Offit Kurman, we distinguish ourselves by the quality, breadth, and global reach of our legal services — as well as our unique operational structure, which encourages a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurialism. The same approach that makes our firm attractive to legal practitioners interested in representing clients in the middle market, also gives clients access to experienced counsel in almost every area of the law and in many jurisdictions in the U.S. and abroad
Subscribe and follow us on our Blog, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up to receive LawMatters, Offit Kurman’s monthly newsletter covering a diverse selection of legal and corporate thought leadership content.
DELAWARE | MARYLAND | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | PENNSYLVANIA |SOUTH CAROLINA | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON, DC