Mergers & Acquisitions Services in Augusta, Evans, and Aiken
Experienced Mergers & Acquisitions Representation in Georgia and South Carolina
Buying or selling a business can involve significant financial, legal, and operational considerations. Whether you are acquiring a company, selling an existing business, restructuring ownership, or negotiating the terms of a transaction, experienced legal guidance can help protect your interests and keep the deal moving forward.
At Hull Barrett, we represent buyers, sellers, business owners, lenders, and other clients involved in mergers and acquisitions throughout Georgia and South Carolina. With offices in Augusta, Evans, and Aiken, our attorneys provide practical, business-focused counsel throughout the transaction.
Our Mergers & Acquisitions practice includes Brian S. Coursey, a leader in Hull Barrett’s transactional group who advises clients on business organizations, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, corporate matters, finance, securities, and real estate. Brian is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant, giving him a valuable financial perspective when evaluating the legal and business considerations involved in complex transactions.
Brian routinely represents buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions and has handled transactions involving significant business assets, including an asset sale involving a group of newspapers valued at more than $10 million and a multi-million-dollar redemption of a majority shareholder’s stock.
"A successful transaction is about more than getting a deal across the finish line. It is about understanding what our clients are trying to accomplish and structuring the transaction in a way that supports those goals."
What Mergers & Acquisitions Services Does Hull Barrett Provide?
Mergers and acquisitions can take many forms, and every transaction presents different legal, financial, and business considerations. At Hull Barrett, we work with clients to address the legal issues that arise throughout the life of a transaction.
Business Acquisitions and Sales
We represent both buyers and sellers in transactions involving the purchase or sale of businesses. Our attorneys help clients evaluate transaction structures, negotiate terms, prepare documentation, and work toward an efficient closing.
Due Diligence
Understanding what you are buying or selling is an essential part of any transaction. We assist clients in reviewing contracts, corporate records, liabilities, ownership interests, real estate, financing arrangements, and other legal matters that may affect the transaction.
Transaction Structuring
The structure of an acquisition can affect ownership, liability, taxes, financing, and the parties’ obligations after closing.
We help clients evaluate structures such as:
- Asset purchases
- Stock purchases
- Mergers
- Business reorganizations
- Ownership redemptions
- Other corporate transactions
The appropriate structure depends on the circumstances and objectives of the parties involved.
Purchase Agreements and Transaction Documents
M&A transactions require detailed legal documentation. Our attorneys assist with negotiating and preparing purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, corporate documents, and other contracts necessary to complete a transaction.
Business Restructuring and Ownership Changes
Not every transaction involves an outside buyer or seller. We also assist business owners with reorganizations, ownership changes, buyouts, and other transactions involving closely held businesses.
Financing and Related Transactions
Acquisitions frequently involve financing arrangements, loans, securities, or other financial considerations. Hull Barrett’s transactional attorneys work with businesses and lenders on financing matters that may be connected to larger corporate transactions.
Post-Closing Matters
The legal work does not necessarily end when a transaction closes. We can assist clients with post-closing obligations, ownership changes, contract issues, corporate governance, and other matters that arise after the transaction is completed.
Why Choose Hull Barrett for Mergers & Acquisitions Matters?
M&A transactions require more than simply preparing contracts. They require an understanding of business operations, financial considerations, ownership structures, regulatory requirements, and the potential risks associated with a transaction.
Hull Barrett combines transactional experience with a broader understanding of business law, finance, real estate, tax considerations, and litigation. Brian S. Coursey has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for Corporate Law, and his background as both an attorney and a licensed Certified Public Accountant provides an additional financial perspective when advising clients.
Our team offers:
- Experience representing both buyers and sellers
- Transactional counsel in Georgia and South Carolina
- Experience with complex and high-value business transactions
- Knowledge of corporate, finance, securities, real estate, and tax-related issues
- Practical advice focused on the client’s business objectives
- Support from initial negotiations through closing and beyond
"Every transaction has its own risks and opportunities. We help clients understand both, so they can make informed decisions about the deal they are considering."
A Practical Approach to Business Transactions
No two mergers or acquisitions are exactly alike. The right legal strategy depends on the type of transaction, the businesses involved, the assets being transferred, financing arrangements, and the goals of the parties.
Our approach focuses on:
- Understanding the client’s objectives before negotiations begin
- Identifying potential legal and business risks
- Evaluating the structure of the transaction
- Conducting thorough due diligence
- Negotiating terms that protect the client’s interests
- Preparing carefully for closing
- Addressing post-closing obligations when necessary
We work to provide clear, practical guidance without losing sight of the larger business objectives behind the transaction.
Speak with an Experienced Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney
Whether you are considering buying a business, selling your company, restructuring ownership, or negotiating a significant corporate transaction, the decisions made during an M&A transaction can have long-term consequences.
Hull Barrett represents clients throughout Georgia and South Carolina from offices in Augusta, Evans, and Aiken. Our attorneys provide experienced transactional counsel designed to help clients understand their options, address potential risks, and move forward with greater confidence.
If you are considering a merger, acquisition, business sale, or ownership transaction, contact Hull Barrett today to discuss your objectives with an experienced M&A attorney. Early legal guidance can help you identify potential issues before they become obstacles to your deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mergers & Acquisitions FAQs
When Should I Hire a Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney?
You should consider involving an M&A attorney before signing a letter of intent or committing to the basic terms of a transaction.
Early legal involvement allows your attorney to help evaluate the proposed structure, identify potential risks, plan due diligence, and negotiate important terms before the transaction becomes difficult to change.
What Does a Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney Do?
An M&A attorney helps clients navigate the legal aspects of buying, selling, merging, or restructuring a business.
Depending on the transaction, an attorney may assist with:
- Transaction structure
- Due diligence
- Contract negotiations
- Purchase agreements
- Corporate approvals
- Financing documents
- Closing requirements
- Post-closing obligations
The attorney’s role can vary depending on whether they represent the buyer, seller, lender, or another party.
Should I Hire an Attorney Before Selling My Business?
Yes. Consulting an attorney before marketing a business or entering negotiations can help identify legal issues that may affect the transaction.
An attorney can help prepare the business for due diligence, review existing contracts and ownership documents, identify potential liabilities, and advise on transaction structure before a buyer becomes involved.
What Is the Difference Between an Asset Purchase and a Stock Purchase?
In an asset purchase, the buyer generally purchases specified assets of a business rather than purchasing the ownership interests themselves.
In a stock or equity purchase, the buyer acquires ownership interests in the company.
The choice can affect liabilities, taxes, contracts, financing, employees, and other aspects of the transaction. The appropriate structure depends on the specific circumstances.
What Is Due Diligence in a Business Acquisition?
Due diligence is the process of investigating a business before completing an acquisition.
It may involve reviewing:
- Financial information
- Contracts
- Corporate records
- Real estate
- Intellectual property
- Employee matters
- Litigation
- Loans and other liabilities
- Regulatory issues
Thorough due diligence helps a buyer understand what it is acquiring and identify issues that may need to be addressed before closing.
How Long Does a Merger or Acquisition Take?
There is no standard timeline for an M&A transaction.
A relatively straightforward transaction may close in a matter of weeks, while larger or more complicated transactions can take several months or longer.
Factors that can affect the timeline include the size of the transaction, financing, due diligence, regulatory requirements, contract negotiations, and the complexity of the businesses involved.
What Legal Issues Should I Look for Before Buying a Business?
A buyer should investigate potential liabilities and obligations before completing an acquisition.
Important issues may include:
- Existing litigation
- Debt and financing
- Real estate obligations
- Employment matters
- Customer and vendor contracts
- Intellectual property
- Regulatory compliance
- Tax issues
- Ownership disputes
Identifying these issues early can provide an opportunity to negotiate appropriate protections or reconsider the transaction.
How Does an M&A Attorney Help Protect a Business Seller?
An attorney can help a seller understand the legal consequences of the transaction and negotiate terms that protect the seller’s interests.
This may include addressing representations and warranties, indemnification obligations, payment terms, restrictive covenants, liabilities, and post-closing responsibilities.
What Is a Letter of Intent in a Business Acquisition?
A letter of intent (LOI) outlines the basic terms that the buyer and seller are considering for a potential transaction.
An LOI may address:
- Purchase price
- Transaction structure
- Proposed closing date
- Financing
- Due diligence
- Exclusivity
- Confidentiality
Some provisions may be binding while others are intended only as a framework for negotiating the final agreement.
Can Hull Barrett Help With Business Restructuring Instead of a Sale?
Yes. M&A legal work can involve much more than a traditional business sale.
Hull Barrett assists clients with business organizations, reorganizations, ownership changes, shareholder arrangements, redemptions, and other corporate transactions.
A restructuring may be appropriate when owners want to change the company’s ownership or organizational structure without completing a traditional acquisition.
How Are Mergers and Acquisitions Different in Georgia and South Carolina?
Many M&A transactions involve federal laws and commercial principles, but state-specific corporate and business laws can affect how transactions are structured and completed.
Georgia and South Carolina may have different requirements involving business entities, filings, contracts, real estate, and other legal matters.
Businesses operating across state lines should evaluate which state’s laws apply to each aspect of the transaction.
Can an M&A Attorney Help With a Multi-State Business Transaction?
Yes. Multi-state transactions can create additional legal considerations when a business operates, owns property, employs workers, or maintains contracts in multiple states.
Hull Barrett represents clients in both Georgia and South Carolina and can help identify state-specific issues that may affect a transaction.
What Happens After a Business Acquisition Closes?
Closing does not always end the legal work associated with an acquisition.
Post-closing matters may include transferring assets, satisfying contractual obligations, addressing purchase price adjustments, managing indemnification claims, restructuring ownership, and completing other requirements outlined in the transaction documents.
Does Buying a Business Include Its Existing Contracts?
Not necessarily. Whether contracts transfer as part of an acquisition depends on the transaction structure, the agreement between the parties, and the terms of individual contracts.
Some agreements may require consent before they can be assigned to a buyer. Reviewing important contracts during due diligence can help identify these issues before closing.
What Should I Bring to My First M&A Attorney Consultation?
If available, useful information may include:
- Information about the business
- Proposed purchase or sale terms
- Letter of intent
- Financial information
- Existing corporate documents
- Major contracts
- Loan documents
- Real estate information
- Information about ownership
The more information available at the beginning of the process, the easier it is to identify potential legal issues and develop an appropriate strategy.
Why Is It Important to Have an Attorney Review an M&A Agreement Before Signing?
M&A agreements can create significant financial and legal obligations that may continue long after a transaction closes.
An attorney can identify provisions involving representations, warranties, indemnification, liabilities, payment terms, restrictive covenants, and post-closing obligations that may materially affect your interests.
Having the agreement reviewed before signing gives you an opportunity to address concerns while there is still time to negotiate.
Contact Our Augusta, Evans, or Aiken Office
Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help with your legal needs across the CSRA.