Commercial expansion often needs to be undertaken more proactively than through pure business growth. Whether this means combining forces with an existing business in a complementary sector to yours through a merger or acquiring another business, the expert mergers and acquisitions solicitors in Clifton Ingram’s corporate and commercial department understand the commercial factors that drive a successful deal.
We will work with you to achieve your aims within your targeted timescale and ensure that you get the most out of your deal.
For immediate support, please contact our team, or you can read our FAQs to learn more about mergers and acquisitions.
Our mergers and acquisitions solicitors
Our mergers and acquisitions lawyers can offer you the following:
- Our expertise as one of the leading M&A law firms in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor
- Strong rankings in the respected client guide The Legal 500, recognising us as some of the best solicitors in the region
- Decades of experience supporting businesses with mergers and acquisitions
- A keen understanding of how to add value and effectively manage risks at all stages of a merger or acquisition
- A UK mergers and acquisitions service tailored to your exact needs
Our mergers and acquisitions expertise
In a wide variety of industries and commercial sectors, our mergers and acquisitions solicitors have wide-ranging experience in advising on:
- Mergers
- Acquisitions
- Disposals
- Joint ventures
We will collaboratively review your strategic matters with the aim of minimising the time and costs of entering into protracted negotiations with the other parties, such as:
- Early stage due diligence in relation to employees
- Intellectual property rights
- Contracts
- Property issues
Our aim is to provide practical, commercial advice proportionate to the transactional circumstances of your deal. Our approach will be directed towards driving the deal forward by swiftly dealing with legalities while making sure you have all the necessary protections in place. We can also assist with all other matters related to corporate and commercial law.
Our mergers and acquisitions solicitors have a long and strong track record in advising private and public companies on:
- Heads of terms and lock-in/lock-out agreement
- Deal structure
- Confidentiality agreements
- Private equity and corporate finance
- Finance, borrowing and security documents
- Sale/purchase agreements
- Management buy-outs
- Reconstructions
- Investment agreements
- Share buy backs
- Reduction of capital
Contact our mergers and acquisitions solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our expert mergers and acquisitions lawyers work from offices in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham. We work with businesses all over Berkshire, as well as Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and further afield.
Speak to one of our M&A solicitors today on 0118 978 0099 or using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we will respond quickly.
Types of mergers and acquisitions
Private mergers and acquisitions
A private merger or acquisition occurs when a company's shares are owned privately, either by individual people or by a company. The typical process is for one company to buy all of the share capital of the target company, although other options can be pursued, depending on the situation.
Private transactions of this type are less tightly regulated under UK mergers and acquisitions law. However, navigating the process carefully with proper due diligence is still important. Buyers will take on any seller's liabilities, so these must be understood, and the seller may need to provide warranties. Good legal advice is, therefore, essential.
Public mergers and acquisitions
Strict rules must be followed when a company is publicly traded, including those in the Takeover Code.
The Takeover Code regulates many parts of M&A transactions, including how offers are made, what documentation is required, the making of public statements and required disclosures.
Maintaining compliance with UK mergers and acquisitions law can be challenging, so it is recommended that you seek advice from experienced M&A solicitors to ensure you can navigate the process correctly.
Management buy-outs
A management buy-out is a type of private acquisition where a company’s existing management team buys the company.
Management buy-ins
A management buy-in is a type of private acquisition in which a new management team from outside the company buys the business and replaces the existing management team.
Frequently asked questions about mergers and acquisitions
- What are mergers and acquisitions?
- Why do mergers and acquisitions occur?
- What is due diligence in mergers and acquisitions?
- Are mergers and acquisitions expensive?
- What do solicitors do for mergers and acquisitions?
What are mergers and acquisitions?
A merger is when two or more companies merge to form a new, single legal entity. The former companies will cease to exist. Mergers are most commonly used to combine companies of similar size and market position.
An acquisition occurs when a company takes over another company and absorbs it into its existing operations. The acquiring company will continue to operate while the acquired company will either cease to exist entirely or continue in a subservient form, e.g., as a subsidiary or trading style of the parent company.
Why do mergers and acquisitions occur?
There can be many reasons for a merger or acquisition, but generally, the goal is to make the combined business more competitive. This might be achieved by increasing market share, diversifying, reducing costs, or implementing a range of other strategies.
What is due diligence in mergers and acquisitions?
Due diligence is a critical process in any merger or acquisition. It is where the stakeholders in the businesses involved investigate the other companies to understand their operations and gain insights into areas such as their financial and legal strengths and liabilities.
A well-managed due diligence process is essential for good risk management during a merger or acquisition. Our UK mergers and acquisitions experts can support businesses through this process, making sure no potential issues are overlooked.
Are mergers and acquisitions expensive?
The cost of a merger or acquisition will depend on the issues' complexity. Legal and accounting costs, as well as the cost of integrating the businesses after a merger, will need to be budgeted.
What do solicitors do for mergers and acquisitions?
Solicitors can help with many different aspects of a merger or acquisition, but in general, they can help ensure you get the best possible terms, that the deal is structured to give you the best chance of future success, and that any risks are identified and suitably managed.
Our business merger and acquisition lawyers can assist with all of your legal needs during these types of transactions, helping you to act strategically to best meet your objectives.
Our mergers and acquisitions fees
A merger or acquisition will likely involve a complex and highly detailed process. Our fees reflect the level of expertise we can bring to the table and the real-world value we can add by handling the legal aspects of a merger or acquisition for you.
To find out more about our mergers and acquisitions solicitors’ fees, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Contact our mergers & acquisitions solicitors in Farnham, Reading and Wokingham today
Our solicitors at Clifton Ingram can advise you on all aspects of corporate and commercial law. Our Corporate & Commercial Team offers a professional and diligent approach coupled with high-quality legal and technical knowledge. Our depth of experience enables us to offer commercial legal advice that helps exploit business opportunities while successfully managing risk. We are a proactive and down-to-earth team of highly experienced M&A solicitors bringing a high-quality and professional service to your local area.
As one of the leading M&A law firms in the Thames Valley and M3 Corridor, through to Surrey and surrounding areas, we regularly advise clients across the South East, including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and London.
Speak to one of our team today to see how we can help on 0118 978 0099. Our solicitors will move fast to find a solution personal to you.
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