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What Does a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer Do?

A mergers and acquisitions lawyer handles any paperwork and negotiations when your company is either absorbing another, being absorbed by another, or joining with another company.
If there are any issues that need to go to court after that transition, you might need to find another attorney because a mergers and acquisitions attorney generally doesn't cover litigation.

How Do I Know If I Need a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer?

Mergers and acquisitions attorney can help:
  • Draft and file paperwork to legally bind the transaction
  • Negotiations over terms and payment
  • If you're a stockholder in one of the companies
  • A government agency is against the merger or acquisition

How Much Does a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer Cost?

Lawyers have different methods of billing, but many mergers and acquisitions attorneys charge either by the hour or on a contingency basis. A contingency fee means that your lawyer will bill a percentage only if you win your case. The percentage is negotiated between you and your lawyer. Rates will vary depending on where in the country you are located, as well as the complexity of the transaction. so be sure to establish a rate with your lawyer up front.

What Should I Expect from This Process?

After the process, you should expect a clean transaction. The agreement should be legally binding, and the terms are clear to all parties involved. Your mergers and acquisitions attorney should ensure that your two businesses have transformed into one bigger company, and that you've gotten a fair deal in the negotiation.

A lawyer will have the best insight into how to go about negotiations and which forms, documents, and contracts need to be filled out. In these types of business transactions, it's helpful to have a lawyer looking out for your interests.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.


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