Legal Blog
Fine Wine, Cheese and M&A?
What do wine and cheese have to do with M&A? Well, unlike fine wine and good cheese, M&A transactions don’t age well (I heard this analogy recently at a TAB Board meeting). M&A transactions are driven by timing considerations, both internal and external. Market conditions continually change and having your transaction consummated when the market is most receptive is paramount. Missing the mark can have heavy consequences on items such as taxation or valuation. Likewise, internal commitment and momentum make for efficient transactions.
Deals require continual, steady movement forward; transactions without momentum waffle and struggle to gain pace. Some timing can be controlled by the parties. For example, responding to inquiries and questions as quickly as possible. Letting emails sit, even for a day, can have major impacts given that most M&A transactions have many parties involved. Slow-moving parties can trigger rippling impacts that may lead to unintended consequences. M&A transactions do not adhere to a 9 am to 5 pm workday. I always advise clients, especially sell-side clients, that they should work their business 9 am to 5 pm and sell their businesses 5 pm to midnight (and of course weekends). Like a marathon runner, M&A deals need to find the pace and stick to that pace to finish the race strong!
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.
ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing full-service law firms in the United States. With 14 offices in seven states, and the District of Columbia, and growing by 50% in two years through expansions in New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina, Offit Kurman is well-positioned to meet the legal needs of dynamic businesses and the individuals who own and operate them. For over 30 years, we’ve represented privately held companies and families of wealth throughout their business life cycles.
Whatever and wherever your industry, Offit Kurman is the better way to protect your business, preserve your family’s wealth, and resolve your most challenging legal conflicts. At Offit Kurman, we distinguish ourselves by the quality and breadth of our legal services—as well as our unique operational structure, which encourages a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurialism. The same approach that makes our firm attractive to legal practitioners also gives clients access to experienced counsel in every area of the law.
Find out why Offit Kurman is The Better Way to protect your business, your assets and your family by connecting via our Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn pages. You can also sign up to receive LawMatters, Offit Kurman’s monthly newsletter covering a diverse selection of legal and corporate thought leadership content.
DELAWARE | MARYLAND | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | PENNSYLVANIA | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON, DC
