Small Business Mergers and Acquisitions

At PKC, we regularly guide small business owners through the process of buying and selling their companies and assets. Our mergers and acquisitions team works to get our clients to the closing table while keeping their interests protected.

Full-spectrum M&A Services

Whether you're pursuing financial freedom through the purchase of a business, selling a company you’ve spent years building up, or merging with a strategic partner, our team is ready to guide you. Our comprehensive M&A services include:

  1. Pre-transaction Preparation: We help clients prepare for the M&A process, including due diligence preparation and identification of potential legal issues.

  2. Deal Structuring: Our attorneys can assist in designing the optimal structure for your transaction, factoring in liability considerations, risk allocation, and financing arrangements.

  3. Due Diligence: For buyers, we will conduct lien and litigation searches to ensure that the business you are purchasing is not encumbered.

  4. Negotiation and Documentation: We negotiate on behalf of our clients to secure favorable deal terms and draft comprehensive transaction documents that protect your interests.

  5. Regulatory Compliance: Our team will guide you through the regulatory landscape, ensuring that your transaction complies with applicable laws and regulations.

  6. Post-transaction Support: After the deal is closed, we provide post-transaction support, including integration planning and execution, dispute resolution, and ongoing legal advice.

Why Choose Our Services

  • Depth of Experience: With a rich history in M&A transactions, we offer practical advice drawn from years of experience in various industries and deal sizes.

  • Attention to Detail: We provide meticulous attention to detail in every transaction, ensuring nothing is overlooked in the due diligence process and contract drafting.

  • Strategic Approach: Our team applies a strategic lens to every M&A transaction, ensuring the deal aligns with your overall business objectives.

  • Personalized Service: At PKC, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, one-on-one service to our clients. We take the time to understand your business and work tirelessly to meet your needs.

If you want the best support for your Texas business, trust our firm to provide informed representation and personalized attention. We've helped clients throughout the state of Texas acquire and sell their business ventures.

Types of M&A Transactions We Handle

Our team specializes in representing buyers and sellers in “Main Street” and “lower middle market” transactions involving the sale and purchase of businesses from $500,000 - $20 MM. We serve clients across a diverse range of sectors, catering to the unique needs of each. Our expertise extends to, but is not limited to, the following types of businesses:

  • Manufacturing;

  • SAAS;

  • E-Commerce;

  • Technology Startups;

  • Restaurants and Hospitality;

  • Brick-and-mortar Retail;

  • Marketing Agencies;

  • Medical Practices and Clinics;

  • HVAC and Construction;

  • Franchises (e.g., Insurance Agencies); and

  • Essential Services Enterprises (e.g., Laundromats, Storage Facilities, Car Washes).

The M&A Process Explained

Navigating the purchase or sale of Main Street and lower middle market businesses involves a specialized M&A process tailored to meet the unique needs and characteristics of these sectors. Here’s an overview of the key steps involved:

  1. Strategy Development: This initial phase is crucial for business owners to clearly define their objectives for entering into an M&A transaction. For Main Street and lower middle market businesses, goals often revolve around finding strategic growth opportunities, exiting for retirement, or acquiring a competitor to increase market share.

  2. Target Identification: Identifying the right business to buy or the ideal buyer for a sale is pivotal. This step requires an understanding of the local market dynamics, industry trends, and the specific opportunities or challenges within the Main Street and lower middle market segments.

  3. Due Diligence: Due diligence for these businesses is about more than just the numbers; it includes evaluating the business's reputation, customer base, and operational efficiencies. This thorough investigation ensures that buyers understand exactly what they are acquiring and sellers are prepared to address any concerns.

  4. Valuation and Deal Structuring: Valuing Main Street and lower middle market businesses requires a nuanced approach, taking into account not just financial performance but also market position, asset values, and potential for growth. The deal structure might include seller financing, earn-outs, or other mechanisms to align the interests of buyers and sellers.

  5. Negotiation: Negotiations in these sectors often involve a more personal touch, as the businesses may represent the life’s work of the seller or a significant growth opportunity for the buyer. Achieving a win-win agreement that respects the legacy and future potential of the business is key.

  6. Legal Documentation and Closing: Drafting and finalizing the sale agreement requires careful attention to detail and compliance with local business laws. This step formalizes the transaction, transferring ownership and setting the stage for the next chapter of the business.

  7. Integration and Optimization: For buyers, integrating a Main Street or lower middle market business into their existing operations (or managing it as a standalone entity) requires a strategic approach to preserve the unique strengths of the business while realizing synergies and efficiencies.

Understanding the distinct steps and considerations in the M&A process for Main Street and lower middle market businesses is essential for anyone looking to navigate these transactions successfully. The process not only involves financial and legal complexities but also the nuances of handling businesses that are often closely tied to their communities and founders.