Mergers and acquisitions are high-stakes transactions, and an improperly handled deal can impact your company’s future success. It is essential that you have legal guidance from a business lawyer in Atlanta who can examine all of the possible implications of your merger and acquisition.
A key part of this is conducting due diligence, which can be time-consuming and involves many steps, including the following:
- Examining corporate documents, bylaws, organizational charts, stockholder options and agreements, owner agreements, minutes from board and shareholder meetings, and more.
- Reviewing past business tax returns, audit results, IRS communications, and all relevant tax forms.
- Identifying all intellectual property, such as patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and licensing agreements.
- Inventory of all material assets, including product stock, real estate, technology, equipment, and development research.
- Reviewing all contracts, including loans, agreements with vendors, suppliers, and customers, leases, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, employment contracts, and more.
- Identify any pending legal actions, investigations, or complaints.
It is also critical to examine the type of work environment of the company, corporate philosophies, future profitability, transitional plans, and the general culture of the company. This is all necessary to ensure you are entering into a good strategic fit.
Due diligence is a complex process, and it is too easy for company leaders to miss something that might be a red flag. Our attorneys know how to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure the transaction is right for your business.
Seek Assistance from a Business Lawyer in Atlanta
If you are considering a merger and acquisition, you want an Atlanta business attorney from Battleson Law, LLC, representing your business. We have handled many successful transactions for companies of all types and sizes, so please call 404.382.8149 or contact us online to learn more about our legal services today.