A Merger refers to when two or more businesses join to operate as a single entity or joint venture. An Acquisition is slightly different and refers to when one business purchases and subsumes another. It is important to have the right documentation in place and undertake sufficient investigations when a business is considering acquiring or merging with another entity. Mergers and Acquisitions come with a degree of uncertainty that can sometimes turn into a liability, so it is important for a business to sufficiently protect its rights.
Each and every transaction is unique, but a typical merger or acquisition of a business would mean that you would absorb the assets, debts, and employees of that particular business. They are generally carried out in a high-pressure environment that requires a quick turnaround for the transactional work. M&A Lawyers can act for both purchasers and vendors across a wide range of industries including financial services, transport, technology, and media. There are a number of factors to be taken into account with any merger or acquisition including intellectual property, competition, regulation, and corporate finance.
We can advise on a wide range of merger and acquisition matters including: