Acquisitions and Mergers Solicitors, York, Wetherby & Malton

Mergers and acquisitions can be complicated and require the strategic input of a team of experienced lawyers and other professionals. There are a broad range of issues that need to be considered throughout the life cycle of an M&A transaction. This includes competition, regulatory and employment law, tax, pensions and even cross-border matters. Our lawyers have experience in handling even the most complex transactions, and we focus on helping our clients obtain the best commercial and practical outcome. We offer pragmatic advice tailored specifically to your needs, circumstances and goals and can guide you through the process efficiently and effectively.

To discuss your transaction with a member of our corporate and commercial team, call us today on 01904 929108 (York), 01937 229521 (Wetherby), 01653 919397 (Malton) or complete our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you without delay.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Lawyers

We regularly advise UK companies on all matters relating to buying and selling businesses and companies. Mergers and acquisitions generally bring two or more companies together to become one legal entity or one group of companies. The two terms have slightly different legal and practical meanings, but the term 'mergers and acquisitions' or M&A is routinely used to discuss the situation where the ownership of one or more companies is to change.

A merger takes place where two or more separate entities join to form a single new body with a new ownership structure and management. On the other hand, acquisition describes the situation where one company is purchased by another. This can be done in several ways, the acquired company may continue to trade a subsidiary of the purchasing company, or all of the assets of the acquired company may be transferred to the purchasing company, and the company will then be wound up. We can advise you fully on the processes and procedures that will work best for your business and explain the practical implications of the options available to you.

Share Purchase

In a share purchase of a company, the buyer purchases the entirety of the business, including all assets, liabilities and obligations, and carries on the business.

Asset Purchase

In an asset purchase of a company, the buyer chooses the assets and liabilities that they wish to acquire and purchases them but does not acquire the company carrying on the business.

Share Purchase or Asset Purchase?

Whether a share purchase or an asset purchase is right for you will depend on several factors, including:

The type and volume of assets in the business
Any difficulties that may come with acquiring assets individually
Liabilities and obligations of the company
Tax

Management Buyout

A management buyout (MBO) takes place where the existing management team of a company wish to buy the company, in whole or in part, from the current owners. Management buyouts can be beneficial to both the management team and the current owners, but the process can be time-consuming and complicated. We can work with you to devise a clear strategy from the outset to ensure your transaction progresses as efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption to business operations.

Why choose Ware & Kay?

In addition to providing expert legal advice, we can refer clients to accountants, surveyors and other professionals that we trust to provide a comprehensive service. We are also one of the few firms of solicitors to be on the panel of a significant corporate lending bank and can advise you on the legal aspects of financing corporate deals.