Navigating Mergers And Acquisitions With Our Experienced Lawyers In Alpharetta, Georgia
Mergers and acquisitions are highly complex business transactions that require legal acumen, diligence and foresight to complete in a timely fashion. At Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LLC, our transactional attorneys know how to streamline these intricate processes, leveraging decades of experience to protect our clients’ best interests every step of the way.
Whether you have already extended an offer to another entity or are contemplating this action, you can rely on our lawyers to give you the information you need to make sound decisions. Since 1995, our Alpharetta-based firm has helped large corporations and medium-sized businesses realize their goals.
Comprehensive Merger And Acquisition Support
Although M&As offer valuable opportunities for market expansion and product development, hastily entering an agreement with another company can jeopardize your business’s viability. Our attorneys take the long view when advising our clients of their options.
Having facilitated numerous multimillion-dollar acquisitions and mergers in Georgia, we possess a deep understanding of the steps required to successfully close your deal. Before you commit to any course of action, we will provide a thorough explanation of the challenges you’ll face as you engage in the transaction and will identify solutions for overcoming these hurdles.
Our legal team has substantial experience with the practice areas that intersect this business transition. We use our knowledge of real estate law, intellectual property law, banking, finance and other legal fields to address problematic issues before they put your deal in jeopardy.
We seek to reduce your risk by conducting due diligence on assets and entities that you have targeted. Partnering with accountants, business valuation experts and other professionals, we are able to determine whether your plan will enrich your business or burden it with toxic debt.
As your advocates, we are committed to identifying an effective and an economical approach. We are mindful of the expenses associated with these actions, so we utilize only the professional and legal resources that are necessary for your situation. Focusing on results and our clients’ bottom line are two of the reasons that so many of our clients remain with our firm and readily refer us to others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mergers And Acquisitions In Alpharetta
Our clients have recurring questions when navigating mergers and acquisitions in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia. These transactions involve significant financial, operational and legal considerations, making preparation and timing critical.
What is the difference between an asset purchase and a stock purchase?
In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires specific assets and, in some cases, selected liabilities of a business rather than purchasing the company itself. This structure allows the buyer to avoid unwanted obligations while choosing which assets to include in the transaction. In a stock purchase, the buyer acquires ownership interests in the company, which means assuming both assets and liabilities as they exist. Each structure carries different tax, liability and operational implications, making deal structure a critical early decision. For a detailed breakdown, see our resource on the differences between asset and stock purchases.
What should my company do to prepare for a sale or acquisition?
Effective preparation begins well before a buyer or seller enters formal negotiations. Companies considering a transaction should focus on internal organization, risk identification and operational clarity. Common preparation steps include:
- Organizing financial records such as tax returns, balance sheets, profit and loss statements and forecasts
- Reviewing contracts and agreements, including customer contracts, vendor agreements, leases and employment arrangements
- Confirming corporate governance documents are current and accurately reflect ownership and decision-making authority
- Identifying potential risk areas, such as unresolved disputes, regulatory concerns or reliance on key personnel
Early preparation reduces friction during due diligence and allows management to respond efficiently to buyer inquiries.
What is the typical timeline for a merger or acquisition?
The timeline for a merger or acquisition depends on deal size, industry and transaction complexity. Smaller or less complex deals may close within 60 to 90 days, while larger transactions often take six months or longer. Common stages include initial negotiations, due diligence, drafting and negotiating definitive agreements, financing arrangements and closing. Regulatory approvals, lender consents or third-party contract approvals can extend timelines. Early planning and responsive document production often play a major role in keeping transactions on schedule.
Learn More About Our Services Today
We invite you to consult with an experienced attorney today. Please email or call 770-609-4457 to arrange your appointment.