Corporate
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions are where two or more companies are brought together to form one legal entity. A merger is where separate businesses form one new organisation with new management and ownership structure. An acquisition is where one company buts another, and either runs it as a subsidiary or transfers its assets to the buying company.
Our team of specialist solicitors can give your business advise on a variety of mergers and acquisitions in the UK and overseas.
We can provide expert advice concerning:
- Acquisitions and disposal of private and public companies
- Acquisitions and disposals of businesses and assets
- Management buy-outs and management buy-ins
- Cross border transactions
- Joint ventures
Mergers and acquisitions can be very complex, concerning different areas such as:
- Employment
- Intellectual property
- Tax
- Competition and regulation
Whether you are a small business or a large firm, we can offer the support and advice you need to make the process easy. We can take on the hard work, allowing you to focus on running your business whilst ensuring that the overall approach is the one you want.
Contact our Litigation Solicitors:
If you would like to enquire about a property dispute please complete our online contact form here or send an email to us at [email protected] and one of our solicitors shall call you back.
Alternatively, please call our litigation solicitors in Manchester on 0330 127 8888 for a no obligation discussion.
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FAQ
Although these terms are often mixed together, legally speaking, the main differences between a merger and an acquisition are:
- A merger is the combination of two companies, usually into a new company. The previous companies are then dissolved. Mergers are often perceived as ‘friendly’ and, in theory, a merger can result in the two companies becoming equal partners in the new company.
- An acquisition is a company purchasing another, usually smaller, company (or a controlling interest in its shares). Where the target is a listed company, an approach by a potential acquirer is sometimes unwelcome, and the transaction is termed a “hostile takeover”. However, with private limited companies it is virtually impossible for one company to acquire another unless all parties are willing. The acquired company becomes a subsidiary of the acquiring company, so unlike a merger, no new company is created.
A solicitor will nearly always be necessary for a merger or acquisition. Mergers are legally complex, and an acquisition will require the negotiation of a share purchase agreement, which is usually a lengthy document. If you are selling a company, you will need legal advice to minimise the risk of any claims being brought against you by the buyer after the sale is completed.
Before merging with or purchasing another company, the buyer will need to be fully aware of the assets and liabilities of that company. This is why it is important to instruct a solicitor and other professionals to carry out rigorous due diligence. Due diligence will fall into these broad areas:
- Financial
- Strategic/commercial
- Legal
- Operational
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