The Definitive Guide to Mergers and Acquisitions by Houston Business Attorneys

It's rare these days to not hear about another business merger or acquisition. That is why we have compiled the most comprehensive guide on the Internet regarding mergers and acquisitions.

The best part?

We are going to show you what every business owner should know about mergers and acquisitions by the top Houston Business Attorneys, Phillips | Kaiser.

We have made it easy. Below you will find the content broken down into small chapters based on specific topics. Just click on the chapter you want to see and you will be taken to that specific part on the page.

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  • The Basics of Mergers and Acquisitions - Houston, Texas
    Chapter 1

    The Basics of Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Pros and Cons of Mergers and Acquisitions Icon
    Chapter 2

    Pros & Cons of Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions Icon
    Chapter 3

    What Is Due Diligence In Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Houston Business Attorney icon
    Chapter 4

    5 Types of Company Mergers

  • Consider Merger or Acquisition Icon
    Chapter 5

    6 Reasons To Consider A Merger or Acquisition

  • Role of Lawyers in Mergers and Acquisitions Icon
    Chapter 6

    Role Lawyers Play In Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Legal Costs for Business Being Acquired Icon
    Chapter 7

    Legal Costs of Business Being Acquired

  • Why Mergers and Acquisitions Fail Icon
    Chapter 8

    Why Mergers and Acquisitions Can Fail

  • Strategy Icon
    Chapter 9

    Acquisitions: The Process Can Be A Problem

  • Business Attorneys
    Chapter 10

    7 Potential Pitfalls with Mergers and Acquisitions

  • Why Would A Company Sell 51% and not 100% Icon
    Chapter 11

    Why Would A Company Sell 51% And Not 100%?

  • Do Not Negotiate Against Yourself
    Chapter 12

    Why Successful Businesses Get Acquired

Chapter 1

The Basics of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)

Mergers & Acquisitions is an exciting and dynamic space in which to be. For many business owners, selling their company, merging with another company, or purchasing a business can be quite a thrilling (and hectic) process and one in which you want a good business attorney representing you.

While the goal of any mergers and acquisitions transaction is to generate value, it can also be fraught with pitfalls. The purpose of a good business attorney is to help the business owner navigate the merger and acquisition landscape to maximize value and outcomes at the same time reducing risks and obstacles.

6 Concepts You Should Know About Mergers and Acquisitions

There are three basic merger and acquisition deal structures entrepreneurs and business owners should be aware of: (i) sales of business or assets, (ii) mergers, and (iii) stock or equity sales.

Merger and Acquistion Business Deal Structures Illustration

Sale of businesses or assets

The most common deal structure small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs will face are Acquisitions. While companies can be purchased outright, some acquisition deals can also be executed through asset sales. 

What this means is that parts or portions of a business, such as a particular department or product, for example, are sold a-la-carte rather than the entire company. For buyers, asset acquisitions carry much less risk since liabilities and contingent expenses stay with the selling company. 

For sellers, this an easy way to shed unprofitable business operations while retaining thriving ones.


Mergers are relatively uncommon in the small to mid-market business space and tend to be more common at the level of larger corporations with multiple assets. 

Of course, there are many types of mergers, such as horizontal mergers, vertical mergers, congeneric mergers, and a merger of equals, to name a few, that involve business of all sizes and that each requires strategies and approaches. We won’t go into depth on these for the time being, but future chapters will have more information. In general, mergers tend to occur between businesses of equal to similar size.

Stock or equity sale

Equity sales, also known as stock sales, are similar to direct sales of businesses or assets. However, instead of buying assets or liabilities, the buyer purchases a controlling interest in the entire business through the acquisition of shares. By definition, that means the buyer must own at least 51 percent of a target company’s shares, although it is possible to achieve a controlling interest in a company with less than 50 percent ownership in the company.

“M&A” simply stands for “mergers and acquisitions.” This is just business-speak for companies buying another company or, in the case of mergers, joining together to form one business entity.

While the terms “mergers” and “acquisitions” are lumped together, they refer to two very different business procedures.

Illustration of Mergers and Acquisitions

In a merger, two businesses fuse or merge, to form a brand new company. This is a mutual decision. Two companies go into an alliance and a third, previously nonexistent business entity, emerges from the process.

Acquisitions are much more straightforward. In an acquisition, one company buys another company. This can occur either willingly, in the case of a business owner cashing out of his business, or unwillingly, in the case of a hostile takeover.

To begin the Mergers and Acquisitions process, you need to know which part of the market your company is in: the lower end market, middle market, or the top market. These are merely relative references to the size of a company in regards to its total revenue or asset base. As a result, there is no universally accepted valuation range for these terms. In general, however, many Merger and Acquisition experts use these rule of thumb numbers:

 Lower Market (Mainstreet): Up to $5 million  Middle Market (Mid-market): Between $5 million to $500 million  Top Market (Wall Street): Greater than $500 million

Each market segment has its own unique set of buyers and sellers. For example, buyers may pay a hefty premium for small market companies with the potential to grow into mid-market companies, and for mid-market companies with the potential to develop into top market companies.

Understanding relative valuations will help you determine who the players are in your market segment as well as identify potential buyers or sellers.

Companies pursue mergers and acquisitions to generate value. Utilizing an M&A approach, companies can:

  • Increase market share

  • Break into or buy their way into a promising market

  • Promote growth

  • Acquire valuable assets

  • Achieve vertical integration

  • Leverage “synergies” to create even more value

    Mergers & Acquisitions Chart Why They Are Pursued

While each Merger & Acquisition deal is unique, there are broadly defined interdependent phases of every M&A deal that every entrepreneur or business owner, whether they are buying or selling, should strive to understand: strategy, target screening, transaction, and post-M&A integration.

Lifecycle Chart of A Merger and Acquisition

  • M&A Strategy - Identify value-creating merger and acquisition opportunities.
  • M&A Target Screening - Identify promising merger and acquisition targets to acquire or sell to.
  • M&A Transaction - Execute the merger and acquisition deal.
  • Post-M&A Integration - Seamlessly integrate an acquisition. Identify issues and challenges from this deal to take into account for future transactions.

Illustration of those involved in a merger and acquisition


  • Seller - This is the company looking to be acquired.
  • Buyer - This is the company seeking acquisitions.
  • Transaction lawyers - Transaction lawyers are a must for any deal. They provide transaction advice, manage negotiations, and provide legal documentation for the sale. Transaction lawyers aid in legal due diligence.
  • Accountants - The role of accountants in any merger and acquisition deal are many and varied. Accountants are involved throughout the process from the initial stages of financial due-diligence to the final closing process and beyond.
  • Tax Advisers - Tax advisers provide expert analysis and assessments of a deal’s tax implications and overall financial feasibility. They help achieve structuring goals of both the buyer and the seller in a merger and acquisition deal.
  • Integration Consultants - Integration consultants ensure a seamless post-acquisition or post-merger transition, such as the integration of new management. They help manage changes to the business after an M&A transaction, including changes to a business’s talent and culture.
  • Business brokers - Business brokers help businesses in the lower end or mid-market sell to individual owners or private equity groups.
  • Investment Bankers - Like a business broker, investment bankers help a business buy, sell, or merge. However, investment bankers typically only work at the upper end of the market and deal with complex business transactions. In general, investment bankers help corporations sell to other corporations.

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Chapter 2

Pros and Cons of Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers & Acquisitions is often referred to in business conversations as a single monolithic process or deal-making play. The two terms “mergers” and “acquisitions” have become increasingly blended together and are often used in conjunction as “M&A.” In reality, mergers and acquisitions are two very different deal structures, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Either two companies merge, or one company is bought or sold by another.

Under a merger structure, two companies of relatively equal standing engage in a deal. Typically, both entities are merged into a new entity and cease to exist and a new legal entity is created, keeping one of the entity's names or having a new name.  This may be known as an actual “merger of equals.”

Under an acquisition structure, two companies are also involved. However, once the deal is done, only the acquiring company remains while the acquired company is absorbed by the purchasing entity. Acquisitions are by far the most common deal structure in the world of business today.

Both mergers and acquisitions have the same end goals: to leverage synergies, combine resources, or take advantage of specific market conditions to enhance growth. In this sense, both mergers and acquisitions share some significant similarities concerning advantages and disadvantages.

We will discuss the broad implications, including the general pros and cons associated with all M&A deals. This will include mergers and acquisitions under the broad umbrella of the term “M&A.” In this way, we hope to help executives and owners better understand the world of M&A including the key similarities and crucial differences between the merger and acquisition components of general M&A.

While the goal of any M&A transaction is to generate value, it can also be fraught with pitfalls

General Pros and Cons of Mergers and Acquisitions

Why merge or acquire?

The answer to this question is growth.

Growth can be achieved through mergers and acquisitions in many ways.

Following are the benefits, or pros, of a merger or acquisition.

However, in certain circumstances, a merger and acquisition can also hinder growth, so below are also the disadvantages, or cons, of a merger or acquisition.

General Pros of Mergers and Acquisitions
  • 1
    Reciprocal synergies
  • 2
    Network Economies
  • 3
    Resource Pooling
  • 4
    Better Management
  • 5
    Reduced Competition
  • 6
    Minimize Costs
General Cons of Mergers and Acquisitions
  • 1
    Talent losses
  • 2
    Potential Regulatory Action
  • 3
    High Risk in Uncertain Markets
  • 4
    Diseconomies of Scale

When Do General Mergers & Acquisitions Make Sense?

As an executive or owner of a company, it is essential to know, when engaging in a general merger or acquisition, what makes sense or when it would be better to participate in a business alliance or another more limited form of partnership and collaboration.

Mergers and Acquisitions make sense when:

Ultimately, whether or not to merge with or acquire another a company will depend on if the resulting synergies, pooling of resources, and market conditions make sense to do so. In some cases, there are better alternatives to a merger or acquisition when it comes to achieving efficiencies. Many businesses, for example, will enter into a strategic business alliance rather than a merger or acquisition. 

Risk and Reward - Merger and Acquisition

An airline, for example, needn’t engage in a merger or acquisition with a hotel chain. They would both benefit far more as a part of a business alliance in which the hotel chain accepts the frequent flier miles of the allied airline. There is no reason, or benefit, for one to buy or merge with the other.

Mutual Synergy in mergers and acquisitions

It is crucial to distinguish reciprocal synergies from other types of synergies that can be better achieved with other forms of collaboration. Mutual synergies occur when the two companies in question both execute tasks through close knowledge sharing. To attain such close working relationships, M&A is the best solution.

Collaboration in a Merger and Acquisition

When collaboration or partnering with another organization to achieve efficiencies results in extensive redundancies, mergers & acquisitions between two partner organizations may be the answer. The merging of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq, for example, was designed to net nearly 2 billion dollars in savings across the board by dramatically reducing extensive redundancies.

Combine resources in a merger and acquisition

Hard resources are the equipment, infrastructure, and other physical forms of capital used for the production of goods and services. To achieve higher levels of efficiency, it makes sense to engage in M&A to combine resources and minimize the number of capital-intensive investments needed. An example of this would be one manufacturing factory purchasing or merging with another. It is essential to distinguish hard resources from soft resources such as workforces and institutional knowledge.

The surest way to achieve economies of scale is to pool resources through a merger and acquisition. Larger firms can often be more efficient in this way. In general, increasing output leads to decreasing costs. Many factors make the desire for economies of scale one of the primary motivators to pursue M&A.

Combine resources in a merger and acquisition

Capital-intensive projects with high fixed costs, such as factories and manufacturing facilities, can achieve lower average costs by increasing production. Likewise, large-scale operations can reach higher levels of division of labor and specialization. Bulk buying, spreading overheads and risk, and more favorable interest rates are all reasons to pursue more top economies of scale through a merger and acquisition.

When Do General Mergers & Acquisitions NOT Make Sense?

Risk Assessment - M & A

Mergers and acquisitions do not come without risks. In general, engaging in M&A means drastic changes to the leadership, staff, infrastructure, business model, and operations of one or both entities. The goal of a merger and acquisition is to create value. However, one of the high risks of engaging in mergers and acquisitions is that value may, indeed, potentially be lost. If the potential benefits of a merger and acquisition deal aren’t significant then perhaps it would be better to consider an alternative arrangement such as a business alliance.

Uncertain market conditions for a erger and acquisition

One of the greatest threats to a mergers and acquisitions deal is uncertain market conditions. Namely, consumers or regulators may find the deal unpalatable for many reasons.

For example, a large pharmaceutical company may purchase another drug maker with a promising drug in clinical trials. However, if regulators ultimately do not allow the drug onto the market, the investment made in purchasing that company will have been a total loss. It would have been better to form an equity alliance rather than acquire the promising drug maker outright.

One of the primary motivating factors for engaging in mergers and acquisitions is to combine, configure, and leverage potential synergies between two partners. However, not all synergies benefit from M&A. Sequential and modular synergies do not reap adequate benefits from M&A and can be achieved with less risky strategic alliances.

Sequential synergies occur when one partner completes one portion of a task and passes it along to another partner. An example of this is if a larger pharmaceutical company buys the marketing and distribution rights for a smaller company’s products in return for a cut of the profit. Rather than M&A, this can be achieved more efficiently with a simple equity alliance.

Modular synergies occur when two companies manage their resources independently and pool their results. An example of this is when air carriers and hotel chains form a business alliance to share frequent traveler and loyalty points.

While higher economies of scale can result in enormous value creation, it is also possible to overextend in pursuit of economies of scale, resulting in the opposite effect: diseconomies of scale. When the business becomes overextended, or too large, as a result of M&A activity, significant problems can arise. Oversight and communication are more difficult to attain in large companies. Furthermore, employees tend to become alienated and become less productive or leave the company altogether.

Finally, diseconomies of scale can result in inefficiency and lack of control, thereby negating any efficiency gains from economies of scale. When it comes to business growth, it is vitally important to not only grow but to grow sustainably and without overextending.

Unlike hard resources, such as machines and equipment, human talent can leave a company if they are not satisfied with a business arrangement. This is a real danger for M&A where mergers and especially acquisitions can often be viewed unfavorably by the workers of one or both companies. The exodus of high-value human capital after an M&A deal is known as post-acquisition trauma. If the goal of an agreement is acquiring valuable human capital, it is vital to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. This is incredibly difficult, fraught with peril, and tricky to pull off well with an M&A approach. Instead, a better plan would be through a strategic alliance in which the company with the valuable human or intellectual capital is allowed to retain its autonomy, culture, and human resources.

Mergers vs. Acquisitions

The benefit to growth provided by both mergers and acquisitions stems from leveraging synergies, combining resources, or taking advantage of specific market conditions that warrant a merger or an acquisition. However, each general deal structure has its unique pros and cons to take into consideration when deciding between the two.

Furthermore, both mergers and acquisitions also include their unique variations and sub-typologies. There are horizontal mergers, vertical mergers, market-extension mergers, product-extension mergers, and conglomeration to name the most common types. Under the umbrella of acquisitions, there are direct acquisitions, equity acquisitions, and direct purchase of assets.

To fully understand which deal making structure and subsequent sub-type are the most useful for your needs, it is essential to have a full understanding of the pros and cons of each. We will begin to discuss common deal sub-typologies in more depth starting in Chapter 5: 5 Types of Company Mergers. In that chapter, we will discuss the general pros and cons of a typical merger deal structure and a typical acquisition deal structure.

Chapter 3

What Is Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions?

Due Diligence in Mergers and Acquisitions - Houston Business Lawyer

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are among the most exciting moves made by businesses. The potential buyer is often as thrilled to be in the position to buy as the seller is with having an operation valuable enough to be sold. The board, shareholders, and officers on both sides have every reason to be enthusiastic about the opportunities that await for both sides.

Still, this is no time for "heady" recklessness. The closer the merger gets, the more important it is for both sides to understand the value of what is being sold. Before the transaction is completed, due diligence must be done to ensure that the deal will be a beneficial one for both parties.

Due diligence is not an abstract concept when it comes to an M&A transaction. It refers to a standard and comprehensive process of examination. It is one of the most important steps that must be taken before any merger.


Why Does Due Diligence Matter?

Due diligence matters because it’s the process that helps investors and companies truly understand the deal they are entering into, along with all of the unique risks involved.

Both sides of the deal are obligated to tread carefully because of their obligations to their respective investors, shareholders, and lenders. A poorly planned merger can have disastrous consequences and even lead to the collapse of a company as well as possible litigation.

The process is necessary to determine:

  • The accuracy of any information that was introduced be either party before or during the deal

  • Whether the deal is a good fit for either party

  • Whether the value of the deal represents proper value to the buyer

Fortunately, proper due diligence will identify most risks so that they can be controlled or properly addressed in the Merger and Acquisition transaction documents. As long as the due diligence period is sufficiently long enough to allow a comprehensive review by the buyer of the seller's information, there will be no surprises during the completion of the M&A transaction, and any necessary safety precautions can be planned in advance.


Who Conducts Due Diligence?

Both the buyer and the target company will participate in the process.

The target company typically is required in the M&A transaction documents to disclose certain information to a buyer, and the buyer may incur liability if certain information was withheld or misrepresented. This incentivizes the seller to prepare a request for information from the buyer that will be needed in advance.

However, the buyer shouldn’t rely on just the buyer's story that has been told to the seller about the target company. Further investigation should be done to produce a clear view of the true value the deal will provide for the seller.

There are many professionals who may be able to assist with the due diligence process depending on the size and the complexity of the deal, including:

  • Analysts

  • Accountants

  • Lawyers

  • Consultants

These professionals will review many different factors such as the seller’s finances, assets, leadership structure, debt liabilities, and other categories of information.


What is Investigated Before a Merger and Acquisition Deal?

No stone should be left unturned prior to an M&A transaction. All of the following categories of information have a high impact on the future success of any merged company and should be examined thoroughly before the deal moves are consummated.

Describe the synergy in a merger and acquisition

It is vital that the seller be able to understand how the target company's operations will synergize with theirs. All existing infrastructure at the target company should be closely examined to determine if there are redundancies or opportunities combine or eliminate dual functions to save costs that directly affect the bottom line.

The due diligence process should not be considered complete until the following questions are answered:

  • What market/consumer base does the target company serve that the buyer doesn’t yet?
  • What role does the target company play in the buyer’s existing strategy?

Describes the most accurate value in a merger and acquisition

The due diligence process should be used to determine the most accurate value of the target company. The real value may not be realized without the right leadership, but that’s why it’s important to have a full accounting of all the assets and debts that exist right now.

The buyer should have confident answers to all of the following questions.

  • What is the current cost of managing the target company’s operations?
  • Are those margins increasing or decreasing?
  • Are the projections for future growth well-grounded in market data?
  • What debt is currently being managed by the target company?
  • What patents/trademarks does the target company hold that is relevant to the buyer's own operations?
  • Are there trade secrets or other know-how, and how are they preserved?

Management and Employee Structure

Significant differences in corporate structure and management policies can make mergers very difficult if not managed properly. Switching masses of employees over to a new style of management, or culture, can cause significant disruption, but trying to maintain two contradicting structures in one company comes with its own problems.

The buyer should understand such by addressing the following questions:

  • How is the workforce compensated at every level?
  • How comprehensive and consistently enforced are the target company's employee manuals?
  • What are the policies regarding incentives and bonuses?

Corporate Governance and Governing Standards

The buyer needs to ensure that its current corporate governance standards and documents do not conflict with those of the target company. These documents often determine the responsibilities of the officers of the merged company, and the rights and powers granted to stockholders.

Any buyers should make sure they understand the following:

  • Who holds the securities of the target company including options, preferred stocks, and warrants?
  • What voting agreements govern the stockholders?
  • Are there documents that govern recapitalization or restructuring?

All successful companies must manage legal challenges. Ongoing litigation isn’t disqualifying on its own, but any buyers should understand how likely these cases are to end with judgments against the target company that may decrease its value.

Buyers should know:

  • What type of litigation is currently pending?
  • Has any additional litigation been threatened?
  • What were the terms of past settlements?

There may be custom challenges to any merger

Beyond the considerations above, there are many other areas that need to be comprehensively investigated before due diligence can be completed. Every company should consult with experts who understand industry-specific challenges in M&A deals before proceeding with a purchase.

Chapter 4

5 Types of Company Mergers

5 Types of Company Mergers

The Purpose and Benefits of Each Type of Merger

Mergers take place when two or more businesses combine to form a new, single enterprise. What this new enterprise is meant to accomplish should determine the type of merger that is pursued.

It is important to understand the different types of mergers because each type has a different purpose. The purpose has a major impact on how the merger proceeds and how the operations of the companies are brought into the new whole.

There are five principal types of mergers. Alphabetically, they are conglomerate mergers, horizontal mergers, market-extension mergers, product extension mergers, and vertical mergers.

The information in this section will cover the meaning of each type of merger, the reason it is chosen, and the benefits that it offers to the companies involved.

Corporate Mergers and Acquisitions - Houston Business Lawyer

5 Types of Company Mergers

Conglomerate mergers take place when the merging companies exist in different, unrelated industries. In this type of merger, the purchasing company is often significantly larger and more cash-rich than the merged company.

There are two subtypes of mergers within this type:

Pure Conglomerate Mergers - This type of merger occurs when the two companies exist in entirely separate markets.

Mixed Conglomerate Mergers - This type of merger occurs when the two companies intend to combine their operations to target new markets or create new products that aren’t related to the products or services of either one.


The purpose of a conglomerate merger is often to diversify.

Companies that predict the obsolescence of their products or services may pursue pure conglomerate mergers as a way of transitioning their brand into another market while they are still profitable.

Mixed conglomerate mergers may be attractive because the purchasing company expects that the separate markets may become related at a later time due to changes in technology or consumer behavior.


Though the risks can be significant, there are important benefits to conglomerate mergers when the merging companies have the ability to leverage them.

  • Protection against changing markets: Conglomeration can give companies a safer path to transition to a new market over time. A company that is trapped in one market as sales decline may lose the cash needed to transition.
  • Cross-marketing and sales: Even if the companies serve different markets, they may still serve the same demographic. Conglomeration can enable greater capture of a particular geographic area or age-group.

Horizontal mergers take place when two competing companies merge into a single new enterprise.


The purpose of a horizontal merger is to make partners of former competitors. The newly created company claims the combined market share of both companies, along with the technologies and expertise that made them able to compete with one another.


The benefits of horizontal mergers are easy to understand. Among the benefits:

  • Increased market power: The combined market share, assets (patents), experts and leadership can make the merged companies far more powerful and capable of growth than either would have been alone.  
  • Dramatic reduction in competitive costs: The two companies may have needed to aggressively invest in new technologies or keep product prices low in order to compete with one another. With competition relieved, those costs can be directed elsewhere.
  • Apparent synergies: Companies that share the same market and the same understanding of the market are more likely to have synergies that can be easily leveraged for even more market power.

Market-extension mergers take place when two companies that sell the same product in different geographic markets merge.


The purpose of market-extension mergers is to increase global market share. It is often one of the major steps to achieving international market power.


There are many benefits to choosing market-extension mergers, especially over the alternative methods of entering new markets.

  • Increased Market Share: The most basic advantage of market-extension mergers is the increased market share that comes with absorbing the merged company. In addition to the existing market share, there is now the possibility of sharing both types of products across both markets.
  • Adopted Expertise: Market extension mergers are a powerful alternative to entering new markets using existing infrastructure. They allow companies to adopt the expertise that already exists in those markets instead of entering them blind to the challenges that exist there.

Product-extension mergers take place when two companies that sell similar products or that operate in the same market unite.


The purpose of a product-extension merger is to expand products or service offerings while being able to take advantage of existing production and distribution infrastructure.  


  • Improves the variety of products: Companies that enter into a product-extension merger can increase the variety of their products without any further development of their manufacturing or supply chains. They simply adopt the existing infrastructure from the merged company.
  • Enables the bundling of technology: Companies can dramatically improve the quality or the competitiveness of their products and services with the raw materials, technology and supply chains that product-extension mergers provide.

Vertical mergers take place when a company joins forces with another that exists at a different place in the same supply chain. The merger may occur between companies that control the raw materials, manufacture or distribution.


The purpose of vertical mergers is to achieve greater control of the supply chain by unifying different parts of it into the same company.


  • Cut costs: A vertical merger allows for the elimination of the seller-purchaser relationship between two companies, resulting in immediate cuts to the costs that are necessary to move a product through the supply chain.
  • Improved Efficiency: Companies that unify a supply chain can exercise greater control over it, allowing for increased production, more reliable delivery of raw materials or other advantages that allow them to claim a larger market share.
Chapter 5

6 Reasons to Consider A Merger or Acquisition

Reasons for a Merger and Acquisition

Mergers & Acquisitions, or M&A, are a key component of doing business today. Every single day companies are merging together, acquiring each other, or being acquired by someone else.

M&A is a natural part of the business ecosystem and can be used as a strategy for growth, a way to switch business models rapidly, or as a way to simply cash-out once you are done.

There are many reasons a company might engage in M&A.

The following are the top 6 reasons you might want to consider a merger or acquisition.

6 Reasons to Consider A Merger or Acquisition

1. Rapid top-line growth

A merger or acquisition can be an excellent strategy for growth. This is especially true for larger companies that rely heavily on M&A to deliver consistent growth. According to the 2014 McKinsey report, Unlocking M&A Value at Every Step by Moni Miyashita, large companies rely on M&A to deliver as much as 50 percent of their top-line growth.

A need for speedy yet sustainable growth is what makes M&A such an attractive option for many. Whether you run a small to medium-sized company or a multinational corporation, M&A can be an excellent opportunity to grow much faster than organic growth. Of course, rapid growth often comes with increased risks if a company accidentally bites off more than it can chew.

A successful example of M&A growth is Google’s acquisition of Android in 2005. Little known at the time, today over 80 percent of all phones in the United States run on Android. At the time, Google paid a relatively paltry sum of $50 million dollars for the promising OS startup. Today Android is the dominant force in the mobile market and the primary delivery vehicle for many of Google’s web services, such as Gmail.

Android is now worth billions and has played a significant role in Google’s top-line growth over the last 15 years.

If you want to jumpstart stagnating growth or accelerate existing growth, M&A might be one way to do it.

But acquisitions of other companies is not the only way to grow.

For small companies and startups with a promising business model, innovative product, or valuable IP, being acquired can actually benefit them immensely. A small startup, for example, with an idea for a disruptive new technology might not have the R&D budget, investor relationships, or steady funding of a more established company. In this case, the small startup might seek a buyer to provide them with the resources they need to actualize their promising idea and bring it to the market before any other competitors.

2. Repositioning

The market is always changing.

No company, even a very successful one, can rest on its laurels for long without competitors, regulators, or economic shifts overtaking it. History is littered with the corpses of companies that simply weren’t agile enough or innovative enough to stay ahead of the competition.

Once high-flying companies like Kodak, Blockbuster, and Tower Records, just to name a few, all eventually failed over time because they weren’t able to anticipate changes and innovate effectively. Innovation can be scary for companies that are used to doing business in a certain way.

Innovation is costly. It requires investments in research and development and making risky ventures into unknown territories. Furthermore, innovation takes time. For companies facing a very real competitive threat or potential business opportunity, there might not be the luxury of building an innovation pipeline from scratch.

Fortunately, M&A offers companies a way to acquire the innovation they need to reposition their core business to better meet the challenges of tomorrow. Take Altria, for example. Altria owns and manages a large portfolio of domestic tobacco brands. I'm sure you realize tobacco use in the United States has been in decline for many years and the forecast is a further decline for the foreseeable future. With no new ideas in the wings to address the structural threat, Altria had no choice but to explore M&A options including a failed attempt at a merger with Phillip Morris. Ultimately, Altria purchased a 35 percent stake in Juul, the market leader in e-cigarette “vaping” devices in order to reposition themselves in the market and hedge against declining conventional tobacco sales.  And, most recently, Juul has been one of the leading innovators in e-cigarettes.

M&A allows companies to rapidly change their business model and reposition themselves. Merging with or acquiring a company with experience in a certain market also gives the buyer the opportunity to avoid costly missteps and growing pains associated with a lack of expertise.

3. Acquire new assets

M&A can also help a company obtain the assets they need to be successful, whether it be talent, equipment, infrastructure, or market access.

Acquiring a company with a strong brand reputation or topflight talent will bring that brand recognition and talent into your company. M&A allows a business to add crucial capabilities or services and can help companies mitigate certain gaps in expertise and skillset or inherent competitive weaknesses.

M&A is particularly hot in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors currently. That’s because acquiring companies that have valuable intellectual property (IP) directly has become an important strategy for securing lucrative IP. In most cases, M&A activity is directly targeting the acquisition of intellectual property, which is often a company’s most valuable asset.

4. Create a stronger entity

Sometimes two companies of roughly equal size and market share might decide it’s time to team up in the form of a merger. This can be a true merger of equals or a simple acquisition that is billed as a merger.

In both cases, the merger or acquisition can be driven by a desire from both parties to create a single stronger, more versatile, and more competitive new entity.

In theory, a good merger allows both merging companies to combine their own complementary strengths and mitigate their respective individual weaknesses. A small software company that is great at producing code, but bad at distributing their code might want to team up with another small software company that lacks coding talent but controls important distribution channels. The resulting third entity will be much better positioned to make an impact in the marketplace.

5. Minimize risk

While M&A plays can often be risky, M&A can also be used defensively as a way to hedge against market uncertainties and threats.

Defensive M&A doesn’t always have to track with growth. While it is most common for M&A to be used as a way to increase market share, grow revenue, or acquire valuable assets such as intellectual property --- defensive M&A can be pursued for a variety of other strategic reasons.

The defensive motivations for pursuing a merger or acquisition include avoiding a hostile takeover, denying rivals valuable assets, and hedging against market downturns.

A company that wishes to avoid a hostile takeover might purchase other smaller companies to make themselves, in turn, larger and more challenging to buy. They might even finance their acquisitions with debt to make themselves unattractive to potential buyers.

Businesses will also often defensively acquire other companies purely to deprive a market rival of any potential value. Occidental Petroleum’s acquisition of Anadarko, for example, could be read as a defensive acquisition to deny Chevron valuable assets in the Texas Permian Basin.

Defensive acquisitions can also be made as a way of hedging against an expected market downturn or forecasted challenges. Altria’s stake in Juul is an excellent example of a company hedging against the steady decline of its core market segment by investing in a sector with higher growth potential.

Finally, there is an excellent defensive reason a company might actively seek a buyer. Companies that have run out of capital or who are at risk of going bankrupt might find a buyer to bail them out and provide them with the funding they need to survive.

6. Cash-out

The need to acquire other companies, outside talent, and valuable assets are quite understandable. Sometimes, the best way to get what you need is to hit the open market rather than relying on organic growth.

But why would a company want to be acquired?

Why would a company seek a buyer for itself?

There are a variety of reasons a business may wish to list itself for sale. One of the primary reasons companies opt to sell is so that the owners or investors can cash out. Being acquired allows stakeholders to transform an ill-liquid asset, their business, into a liquid one, namely, cash. After all, the goal of starting a business or investing in a business is to realize a return. Investors and owners want to get their money back and then some. However, companies are notoriously ill-liquid. You can’t pay for food, housing, or other goods and services with a business. Sure, you can barter the goods and services your business offers in return for the products and services you want, but this is not a very efficient way to go about getting what you need and want.

M&A allows business owners and investors the opportunity to cash out and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Chapter 11

Why Would A Company Sell 51% and Not 100%?

Why Would A Company Sell 51% and Not 100%? - Houston Business Lawyer

Business For Sale

There are many reasons a business may wish to list itself for sale. One of the primary reasons companies opt to sell is so that the owners or stakeholders can transform an illiquid asset, their business, into a liquid one, namely, cash. After all, a business wants to realize a return. Investors and business owners want to get their money back and make a profit. However, businesses are notoriously illiquid. You can’t pay for food, housing, or other goods and services with a business. Sure, you can barter the goods and services your business offers in return for the products and services you want, but this is not a very efficient way to go about getting what you want -- or may need.

When business owners and investors sell part of a business to outside investors such as private equity groups, this is referred to as recapitalization. Companies that choose to recapitalize never sell 100% of their shares to private equity. Instead, they will often sell a much smaller percentage of their company. Frequently, companies will sell 51% of their company.


Why Sell Only 51%

The reason is simple. Many business owners are looking for an opportunity to cash out of their businesses. However, they still want to maintain some equity to realize future upside. According to the quarterly Market Pulse Report published by the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) in partnership with M&A Source and the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project, recapitalization has replaced burnout as one of the top reasons that businesses valued at $5-50MM go to market.

There are obvious potential benefits for savvy business owners of both small-cap and mid-cap companies in pursuing recapitalization strategies beyond cash infusion. For example, startups looking to grow may look for venture capital to help them achieve their goals. Others find that recapitalization helps them run their business better, more efficiently, and with more resources to call upon to reach their ultimate goals.

Strategic and financial support from private equity partners helps business owners minimize their own risks and reduces the stresses of operating a business on their own. Many private equity firms are exceptionally good at running companies efficiently for growth and for a profit. By partnering with outside investors, business owners can realize an immediate partial cash buyout when they sell, and then “double dip” or “take another bite out of the apple”, so to speak, when they jointly exit with their private equity partners in 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, the financial sophistication and managerial skills private equity brings to the table can make that final pullout much more profitable.


When "Double Dipping" is Good

By recapitalizing and retaining some equity in their company, owners who choose to sell can often times realize an immediate return when they close, then another cash infusion when they sell their remaining shares a few years later. By this time, their company may be worth double what it was prior to recapitalization.

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9 Reasons for A Business to Recapitalize

  • 1

    Receive a cash payout

  • 2

    Realize future upside

  • 3

    Partially exit an investment

  • 4

    Minimize the risks of owning a business

  • 5

    Reduce the stress of daily operations

  • 6

    Share financial responsibilities with private equity investors

  • 7

    Obtain strategic support from private equity

  • 8

    Get more capital in the business

  • 9

    Opportunity to "double dip"

Why Sell 51%? Why Not 49%?

If a company were to sell 100% of its shares and forfeit all ownership stakes, the owners would not realize any future upsides. They would not get a second opportunity to realize gains. So why sell 51% when you can sell less to achieve a cash infusion while still maintaining majority control and maintaining exposure to any potential future upside?

The reality is, a 49% stake in a company is a difficult proposition to make to outside investors and private equity groups. Many outside investors will want to bring in their leadership team, a chain of command, as well as their business processes. This is particularly prevalent in the venture capital space where many venture capitalists will not give money to startup businesses unless they agree to sell them a 51% stake. That’s because the skills required to start a business or innovate an idea are entirely different from the skills necessary to grow a sustainable and profitable company. In Silicon Valley today, many startup founders end up getting in their own way once their companies get off the ground, to the detriment of shareholders and to their personal financial goals.

Selling a 51% stake in your company to outside investors gives those investors control over strategic direction, exit timelines, salaries, management, and the timing and amount of cash distributions. While that might seem like a lot to give away, it’s important to remember that a 49% stake in something profitable, well-run, and valuable, is infinitely preferable to a 51% majority stake in a company that is worthless.

In other words, don’t let the illusion of control, or the difference of a few percentage points, cause you the business owner, to miss an opportunity to scale your business up to its real potential (and make a lot of money in the process).

It's All In The Contract

It is entirely possible for a minority owner of a company that has recently undergone recapitalization to still retain complete or partial control over their company.

It all depends on the written agreement.

An owner can reduce his stake but write in their desired level of control into the purchase agreement. There are many ways to write a purchase agreement or contract to give each party precisely what they want.

For example, deals can be structured so that the private equity investor initially takes a 51% controlling interest in a company. However, once their initial principal investment is paid off, they become a minority shareholder with a predetermined stake that is negotiated upfront. This allows the founder or business owner to retain complete control upon payment of principle. Of course, this is just one way to do things. Agreements can also be written with an option to purchase further shares or for a complete and total buyout. The point is, there are a vast variety of strategic and intelligent ways to approach a private equity deal which, depending on the company and buyer in question, may work best.

Chapter 12

Why Successful Businesses Get Acquired

Why Successful Businesses Get Acquired - Houston Business Lawyers

Mergers and Acquisitions are a significant feature of modern business. Participants in mergers and acquisitions often have strong motivations for entering into their side of the deal. Understanding these motivations from both sides can help companies better position themselves for a profitable sale or partnership.


Why Successful Businesses are Sold

Mergers and acquisitions are rarely the result of leaders who can’t manage the business on their own anymore. It is more accurate to say that mergers and acquisitions are an opportunity that becomes available when a business is successful enough to advance to a higher level of competition.

Here are some of the factors that can motivate owners of a company to either sell or merge their operations into those of a larger company.

A merger with another company may allow leadership to acquire valuable new assets that give them the power, expertise, additional products, or infrastructure they need to increase market share or break into entirely new markets.

Finance more ambitious goals - houston business attorneys

Equity that is sold isn’t always used by the selling company to expand operations. Sometimes it may be used to relieve debts or to allow the owner to start investing in other outside projects—even if they do not intend to leave the existing company.

Relieve business debt - Houston Business Attorney

When companies are owned by a single person, or when the leadership is provided by one figure, in particular, an acquisition may be sought so that the leader can leave the company for personal reasons. This is often the motivation when medical conditions or family matters advance too quickly for a new leader to be groomed.

Exit company for personal or health reasons - business law

Why Successful Businesses are Purchased

Companies are naturally the most expensive “product” on the market. Every year, hundreds of billions of dollars are spent by larger companies to acquire smaller ones. However, far from being an impractical expense, acquisitions can be the most cost-effective way to expand and develop new competencies.

Here are some of the factors that motivate buyers to acquire another company.

Companies may be acquired so that their existing assets or specialties can be used to fill gaps in the larger companies infrastructure. For example, if a large manufacturing company needs a significant amount of storage, it may be able to save money by acquiring a company that owns or manages storage along its supply chain.

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This is just one example of “vertical integration.” Uniting the different stages of production doesn’t just save money. The combination of data that both companies possess allows for logistical insights that wouldn’t be possible if both companies were working together.

Sometimes, an acquisition is how a larger company acknowledges the tenacity of a smaller competitor. When outmaneuvering a newer, more agile company isn’t cost-effective, a more practical option is to engage them with an offer.

These acquisitions can be amazingly beneficial for both sides. The leadership of the smaller company can get a massive influx of new investment, and the ability to exercise their vision in a large arena. The larger, cash-rich company often gets to enjoy an infusion of youthful energy and ideas.

The partnership that is created is well-suited to take on greater challenges than ever before.

Absorb A Smaller Competitor - Merger & Acquisition

An acquisition can be a means of unlocking the true abilities of a company. Sometimes, a company is perfectly positioned, but still unable to achieve its potential for many reasons. It may be held back by dysfunctional leadership (such as feuding family members), limited information or a lack of will to take the next steps toward market control.

The resources provided by the acquiring company can provide all of that and more—new leadership, previously unavailable data, and a more ambitious outlook.

Houston Business Attorney for Merger and Acquisition


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