M&A

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As we move into 2020, there are signs that the M&A market may be slowing down.  Global trade issues, rising prices for target companies, and political uncertainty in the US all may contribute to reduced deal activity in the coming year.  In this type of market, acquirers will take a harder look at potential acquisitions in order to minimize risk. Both strategic and financial buyers will be focused on buying “quality” companies, where potential risks are minimized through good practices of the sellers.
Continue Reading 2020 Resolutions to Make Your Deal Go Smoothly

Companies that are considering an M&A transaction should review their insurance policies to determine whether the carrier needs to be notified of the potential transaction.  In some cases, failure to do so can cost the insured the coverage that it was expecting.  In a case out of California (Scottsdale Insurance Co. v. CSC Agility Platform, Inc., C.D. Cal, Feb 4, 2019), the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California held that an insured’s failure to notify its insurer of a pending transaction allowed the insurer to deny coverage when an otherwise covered claim arose.
Continue Reading Thinking About Selling? Make Sure to “Contemplate” Notifying Your Insurance Carrier

As the M&A market stays active, more and more family-owned businesses are selling to third parties. Many of these transactions involve sophisticated buyers, who spend a lot of time, money and effort on due diligence of a seller.  While there are many elements that go into a successful sale of a business, sellers can take a few steps prior to starting on the sale process to help ensure smoother negotiations (and hopefully a smooth transaction).
Continue Reading Thinking of Selling Your Family Business? Some Preliminary Steps.

As 2018 looks to be a favorable M&A environment, many business owners may come to the conclusion that it is time to sell the family business.  While it is true that some businesses sell as a result of an offer that comes “out of the blue,” the reality is that most sales occur as a result of a well-designed process intended to maximize value for the seller.  Sellers should consider allocating considerable time preparing for a sale, sometimes as much as a year.  A well-run sale process can take considerable time as well.  The time is well-spent though, as thorough preparation and an organized sale process typically lead to higher valuations and quality buyers. 
Continue Reading Thinking of Selling? Start Early, Build Your Team

After a somewhat choppy 2017, many experts are calling for a busy 2018 in the M&A space. The Intralinks Deal Flow Predictor Report suggests that the pace of M&A activity will increase in 2018, based in large part on “a combination of gradual acceleration in global economic growth, low inflation in advanced and emerging economies, buoyant asset markets and low-interest rates that continue to bolster the M&A markets.”  While there are concerns that could impact the potential increase in deal flow (such as a rise in economic protectionism or a global equity sell-off) the prevailing view is that the positive conditions for M&A activity will continue to rule the day and drive increasing dealmaking.
Continue Reading Expect A Busy 2018 On The M&A Front