Asset Purchases, Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Separations

Every business changes over time.  Some remain small, operated by the original proprietor.  Others commence or grow into partnerships or other joint ventures with other people or companies.  Some are acquired by larger businesses and become part of a larger business structure.  Occasionally, business owners determine that operations, partners, or subsidiaries that were once compatible can no longer coexist and the parties must separate operations.  The process of combining and dividing businesses can be complex.  Tax and liability issues take a prominent role in driving how one structures such transactions.  Documents that will govern new relationships must clearly reflect the intentions of the parties.  Negotiating and clarifying issues in the beginning of a relationship or transaction can avoid costly litigation later on.     In addition, the federal and state governments often regulate business mergers, acquisitions and separations.  The role of a qualified attorney in connection with such transactions is to identify key issues and questions relating to the relationship of the parties, the legal and tax consequences associated with alternative transaction structures, and to draft documents that clearly reflect the intent of the parties and protect them from unplanned consequences.

Attorney, Otto S. Shill, III has over 25 years of experience with Transactions, Mergers & Acquisitions with Tax Issues.