Legal Blog

M&A: Matching Priorities – Buyer and Seller

In the context of M&A, frequently the priorities of a buyer and a seller differ, especially at the outset of a transaction. In sum, what may be important to a buyer, frequently is not on the radar of a seller.  Why?  Simply put, how a seller operates its business day to day most times is not focused on risk mitigation and value drivers.  For example, frequently I find that seller’s have promised key people compensation in the event of the sale but just have never gotten around to documenting the details.  Or simpler yet, numerous sellers cannot locate their stock certificates or recall the basics of their corporate governance.  These details, while important, do not rise to top priorities for the entrepreneur focused on the next sale or cash flow issues.  A buyer, however, is most focused on a return on their investment and related risk mitigation.  Hence, the disconnect.

So, what’s the solution?  Proper planning.  The simple fact is that how an entrepreneur operates his/her business will not be how he or she sells the business.  As such, if the entrepreneur has the luxury of some time before the sale, then he/she should use the ramp up as a means to check on the readiness of the business for sale.  Too many sellers become faced with the “triple threat” during the sale of their business:  (i) selling their business; while (ii) adjusting their business to the expectations of the buyer; all while (iii) still operating their business.  I can assure you this is no easy task.

Not sure how or where to start? Do you want to vet a business opportunity? Grab 15 minutes with me and I will work with you to understand your situation and provide my thoughts based upon successfully representing business owners for almost 25 years. You will receive a confirmation with a Teams Meeting invitation after you pick a time for our discussion. You can also reach out to me at mmercurio@offitkurman.com.

 

 

ABOUT MIKE MERCURIO

Mike Mercurio | mmercurio@offitkurman.com | 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.