Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers in Chicago, IL

We close private M&A deals and maximize your profits!

Find a Chicago mergers and acquisitions lawyer who’s thorough, efficient, and always quick to respond.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or merging, we’ll help you achieve your best possible outcome in any M&A deal.

Contact Gordon Law Group for a confidential case evaluation today!

Business-minded mergers and acquisitions lawyers

Our firm has 10 years of experience counseling businesses of all sizes, so we understand how to balance legal thoroughness with the realities of your business and your specific needs. We’ve handled more than $65 million in M&A transactions.

Buying a business, selling a business, forming a spinoff company, or creating an equity carveout are important milestones for your company’s growth. You want to close the deal fast, but it’s crucial to have the right deal structure, ensure you’re really getting what you pay for, and not end up with any unpleasant surprises. Gordon Law Group is here to help.

You don’t have to be in Chicago to work with us. We provide M&A guidance to companies throughout Illinois, the United States, and the world!

Michael Brandwein, Head of Corporate Law

Having an experienced Chicago mergers and acquisitions lawyer by your side makes it easy.

  • Efficient: Our experience with a variety of M&A deals helps us move the deal forward efficiently so you can focus on growth.
  • Thorough: We’ll make sure you’re getting a good deal and not missing any red flags.
  • Responsive: We’re committed to responding quickly, always. You’ll never be sitting around waiting to hear back from your attorney while your M&A transaction hangs in the balance.

M&A experience in a variety of industries

We’ve closed mergers and acquisitions deals in many industries, including:

Each one has special considerations, from intellectual property to cross-border transactions to industry-specific regulations. We ensure that none of this is overlooked and your M&A transaction achieves the desired goals.

Contact Gordon Law Group

Submit your information to schedule a confidential consultation, or call us at (847) 580-1279

Case Study: OpTic Gaming

We helped Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez, founder of the iconic esports company OpTic Gaming, reacquire his business in 2020.

Special Considerations:

  • Managing OpTic’s intellectual property in the deal
  • Obtaining approval from the Call of Duty League

Photo credit: OpTic Gaming

Learn more about mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Mergers and acquisitions can reshape a growing company and bail out a struggling one. 

Every significant industry and company has been a part of the mergers and acquisition process, whether buying a rival or establishing a presence in another industry. 

No matter how big or small the deal, it’s important for companies on both the buyer and seller sides to understand the chronological steps of the M&A process. 

What are mergers and acquisitions?

The term mergers and acquisitions (M&A) refers to business transactions where businesses combine (merge); one business purchases another; or one business purchases specific assets from another business. M&A transactions may also involve an individual purchasing an existing business. 

From startups, mom and pop shops, to well-established corporations, companies of all sizes engage in mergers and acquisitions.

Companies may pursue an M&A for various reasons, including opportunities to scale, wiping out the competition, or selling to a bigger company. 

Mergers happen when 2 companies seek to form a partnership and join forces for the greater good. These types of M&A transactions typically occur with companies of similar size and who operate in the same industry. When 2 companies merge, it is done on common ground and mutually agreed on before they become equal partners in the new joint venture. 

Example: In 2008, Sirius Satellite Radio joined forces with rival XM Satellite Radio to create Sirius XM. Since these two companies were alone in the satellite radio world, merging allowed them to limit competition, and both reap the market benefits. 

Acquisitions often occur among competing companies in the same or similar industries. The larger of the 2 companies may buy the smaller company and integrate operations, reducing competition while simultaneously growing; or vice versa. 

An individual interested in seeking to go into business for themselves may also acquire an existing company instead of creating their own.

Example: In 2016, Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for $26.2 billion after competing with Salesforce.com to close the deal. Acquiring LinkedIn allowed Microsoft to reach a much larger user base on one of the world’s most successful social networks. 

Both processes are virtually the same, but the strategies used and the relationships between the companies can differ depending on a merger vs. an acquisition. 

How can a Chicago mergers and acquisitions lawyer help you?

When you have an acquisition target in mind or you’ve received an offer from a buyer, it’s time to bring in an experienced mergers and acquisitions attorney.

The M&A lawyer’s primary responsibilities are:

  • Preparing the necessary documentation
  • Performing due diligence
  • Advising on regulatory requirements
  • Advising their client through the completion of the transaction 

Contact us for a confidential case evaluation!

Beginning the M&A process: Letter of Intent and Nondisclosure Agreement

The first step is for the buyer to create a Letter of Intent. Although many templates are available online, it’s best to have an experienced attorney draft your Letter of Intent because the terms laid out in this document will inform the entire M&A process. It defines the purchase price, timeline, and other key aspects of your M&A transaction. A Nondisclosure Agreement is also a standard part of initiating a business purchase.

"A lot of people don't understand how vital the Letter of Intent is. This is essentially your framework, your map, your guide to the entire deal."

Before creating a Letter of Intent, it’s important to know what you’re actually trying to buy. Do you need to buy the entire business, or should you simply purchase specific assets? Can you take advantage of a tax free merger, or put minimal money down through an earnout agreement?

Not only is this vital information for any transaction, but it also has important tax considerations that often go overlooked. With our focus on tax law and extensive experience in this area, you can rest assured that your deal won’t result in a surprise tax bill.

Due diligence in mergers and acquisitions

Once a Letter of Intent and Nondisclosure Agreement are signed, you enter the due diligence phase. During M&A due diligence, the buyer gathers key information about the business, including financial records, projections, existing contracts, and anything else that could make or break the deal. Essentially, due diligence ensures that you know what you’re getting into when buying a business.

Whether you’re buying or selling a business, you need a strong negotiator on your side with a robust knowledge of corporate lawcontract law, and tax law to maximize your M&A benefits.

Experience is crucial here—our seasoned Chicago M&A attorneys know what to look out for!

Negotiating the M&A deal

Next, it’s time to negotiate a binding agreement between both parties. Whether you’re entering a business purchase agreement, asset purchase, stock swap, or merger, our attorneys will help you create a binding legal document and seal the deal. We’ll work with you to negotiate key terms and ensure this deal achieves your specific goals.

Our role as M&A lawyers is to assist you from start to finish. Our job is to have those uncomfortable conversations and ensure all the deal terms are agreed upon. We highly recommend consulting with an attorney before beginning the M&A process!

Our mergers and acquisitions lawyers in Chicago are ready to ensure your business deal closes on the best terms for you. Let our experienced team of attorneys provide you with the knowledge to maximize your profits every step of the way. Ready to get started? Contact our experienced M&A lawyers today.

Video Preview: M&A Earnouts - Lower Your Risk When Buying a Business

How long does the mergers and acquisitions process take?

As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Anyone who has ever been a part of a merger or acquisition knows this to be true. 

The time frame can vary depending on the deal’s complexity, ranging from 6 months to several years before a merger or acquisition is closed. Because the timeline is so long, unexpected obstacles can often occur—for example, what if a key employee leaves or an unforeseen circumstance like COVID-19 changes the business’s profitability?

Most mergers and acquisitions may include a draft of the potential timeline, but it is highly recommended to leave room for any unforeseen circumstances that may come up.

“If you’re a buyer, seller, or you’re merging two companies together, you need to understand that this is a big project. This may be the burgeoning of a new enterprise, so look at [the timeline] as months, not days and weeks.”

Motives for mergers and acquisitions

A company may decide to merge with a company or acquire a new one for a variety of reasons, including the following:

Increased growth

The opportunity to increase growth is one of the driving factors behind all M&A transactions. By merging or acquiring another company, it’s expected that an increase in revenue and income can be quickly attainable. 

Example: In 2005, Google purchased Android for $50 million. Google saw potential in the startup and an early opportunity for a major growth initiative in smartphone technology. 

Synergies

Synergy is the concept that 2 companies are worth more combined than they are separate. Buyers and sellers must understand potential synergies when approaching a merger and acquisition. 

Synergies can arise due to cost reduction or increased revenue because of the merging of the 2 companies. 

The most common types of synergies are:

  • Cost synergies
  • Revenue synergies
  • Financial synergies

Synergies are one of the most important aspects of merger and acquisition transactions and should be carefully considered when selling or buying a business.

Example: In 1998, Exxon and Mobil the top two oil companies in the United States formed a marriage which at the time was the biggest merger of its time at a record $75.3 billion. Since then, Exxon-Mobil has seen continued growth since joining forces remaining the top U.S. oil company.

Diversification

Diversification is another common motivating factor in M&A deals. This occurs when a company can move into different areas of operation.

Example: AT&T, one of the country’s most popular phone companies, merging with cable company Time Warner is a clear example of a company diversifying its operations to increase revenue. 

Types of mergers and acquisitions

There are several methods businesses can use to expand nationally or internationally. The motives behind the deal will help you establish which of these methods is best for you. 

The most common types of mergers and acquisitions are:

  • Horizontal merger
  • Vertical merger
  • Reverse merger
  • Conglomeration merger

Horizontal merger

A horizontal merger happens when 2 companies operate in the same industry and offer similar products or services. This strategy works best for companies that want to scale and increase their market power. The goal of a horizontal merger is to create value by combining the 2 companies. 

In 2015, the Kraft Foods Group merged with H.J. Heinz Co to form the Kraft-Heinz company. At the time, the deal was expected to make it the 5th largest food company in the world and the 3rd largest in the US. Merging removed direct competition and brought value to both companies. 

Vertical merger

Vertical mergers typically involve 2 companies with different services or products and combine supply chains to extend business capabilities. This type of merger is used to streamline operations, cut costs, and increase efficiency.

One of the most famous examples of a vertical merger happened in 2006 when Walt Disney acquired Pixar Animation Studios. This merger is accredited as one of the driving factors in Disney’s continued success to date. At the time, Disney’s animation department was failing; partnering with Pixar was the spark the company needed.

Reverse merger

The reverse merger method allows smaller private companies to go public while avoiding the time-consuming and expensive process of a conventional IPO. Reverse mergers are ideal for companies who are looking to drastically expand their reach from thousands to millions.

In 2013, Metro PCS agreed to merge with T-Mobile USA through a reverse merger. Metro PCS operated mainly in the pre-paid cellular market; this allowed T-Mobile to increase cost synergies by solidifying its presence in the pre-paid market and decreasing competition with larger cellular companies.

Conglomerate merger

A conglomerate merger occurs between 2 companies involved in different industries. Companies may be motivated to enter a conglomerate merger to diversify their revenue streams, increase market share, and sell their products. 

In 2017, Amazon entered the brick-and-mortar grocery store business by acquiring Whole Foods for $13.4 billion. This allowed Amazon to expand its footprint very quickly to physical stores all around the country. It also allowed Amazon to offer delivery of Whole Foods groceries.

Contact Gordon Law Group

Submit your information to schedule a confidential consultation, or call us at (847) 580-1279

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Fill out this form to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our highly-skilled, aggressive attorneys to help you tackle any tax or legal problem.

Or, you can call us at

Contact Gordon Law Group

Submit your information to schedule a confidential consultation, or call us at (847) 580-1279