ServicesMergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and Acquisitions in Jonestown
We help owners of private businesses combine with another company, buy a competitor or sell to a strategic buyer. We keep talks confidential, build a deal both sides can live with, and check in once the deal closes to see how the combined business is holding up.
When a merger or acquisition makes sense
A merger or acquisition is not the same as a simple sale. One business joins another or buys it, and both usually keep running. That might mean picking up a competitor's customer list, adding a second location, buying a supplier, or selling to a larger firm that wants your crew and your contracts.
These deals have more moving parts. Two sets of books, two groups of employees, leases, vendor contracts and often a seller who stays on for a while. We work with owners in Jonestown and out toward Cedar Park and Leander, at our office or by phone and video.
Our work does not end at the closing table. We check back in the months that follow, ask how the transition is going, and point out the things that tend to slip, like earnout reporting dates, key customer handoffs and the seller's transition duties.
What we handle on a merger or acquisition
A fair number for both sides
If ownership stakes are being swapped, both businesses need a value. We look at earnings, owner add-backs, assets and debt so nobody is guessing. Our Business Valuation page explains how we build that number.
Finding the right match
For sellers, we look for strategic buyers who gain something real from your business. For buyers, we look for targets that fit. Nothing goes out until a nondisclosure agreement is signed.
Deal structure
Cash at closing, seller notes, earnouts, stock or a mix. We lay out how each one changes what you take home and how much risk you carry once the deal is done.
Due diligence tracking
We organize document requests, keep a list of what has been sent and what is still open, and keep everyone on the same schedule. Your attorney and CPA give the legal and tax advice. We keep the work moving.
Integration planning
Before closing we write out who tells employees, when customers hear, which systems get combined and what the seller does during the handoff.
Check-ins past closing
We call once the deal closes. We go over earnout milestones, note payment schedules and anything in the agreement with a date attached, so nothing catches you off guard.
Signs it may be time to look at a merger or acquisition
A competitor is open to talks
Two similar businesses often do better as one. Shared overhead, a bigger customer base and one set of trucks or software can make the numbers work.
Growth has stalled
You can't add staff, capacity or territory fast enough on your own. Buying a running business is often quicker than building from scratch.
A larger company has called you
An unsolicited offer deserves a hard look, not a quick yes. We help you see what your business is really worth and whether other buyers might pay more.
You need what another firm has
A key contract, a skilled crew, a license or equipment you would struggle to get any other way.
Two owners are thinking about exit
Combining with a similar business first can create a larger company that draws a wider pool of buyers later.
How a deal runs with us
- 1
First conversation
A free, confidential consultation by phone, video or at our office. We ask what you want out of the deal and what would make you walk away.
- 2
Numbers and fit
We value the business or the target and look for a match. Both sides sign a nondisclosure agreement before names come out.
- 3
Letter of intent and diligence
Once terms look right, a letter of intent sets price, structure and timeline. Then comes diligence on books, contracts, leases and staff. We track every open item until it is closed out.
- 4
Closing
Attorneys draft the final documents. We check that what gets signed matches what was agreed.
- 5
Follow-up once you close
We check in at set points in the months that follow, review earnout and note dates with you, and help sort out snags in the handoff before they turn into disputes.
What drives the cost of a merger or acquisition
You pay nothing to start when you list your business with us. There's no retainer, and we spell out every fee from the first day. We're paid from the closed deal, at the same time the seller is paid. The deal's structure changes the total cost, and we explain that in plain terms on our first call.
- How big the deal is
- Bigger deals mean more work and often more advisers, which affects how fees and outside costs build up.
- How the deal is set up
- Buying for cash is simpler than a deal with stock swaps, earnouts or seller notes. Each added piece means more paperwork and more review.
- How well the books are kept
- Accurate accrual-based financials make diligence faster. When records have to be rebuilt, your CPA spends more time and the deal runs longer.
- Advisers outside our firm
- Attorneys, CPAs and in some cases appraisers bill on their own. We let you know early which ones you'll probably need.
- Real estate and lending
- When property is in the deal or a lender takes part, plan on appraisals and lender fees. Our Business and Property Sales and Acquisition Financing Guidance pages explain those parts.
Common questions on mergers and acquisitions
Something not covered here? (512) 955-5966
How is a merger different from an acquisition?
With an acquisition, one company purchases another and the buyer is in charge afterward. With a merger, two companies become one, and often both owners keep a share. Most small private deals are acquisitions in practice, even if people call them mergers. We help you choose the structure that matches what you want.
Will my staff and customers hear about it?
Only when you're ready. Buyers sign a nondisclosure agreement before they learn your name or see your numbers, and information is released step by step. We help you decide when and how to tell employees and key customers, usually near closing.
How long do these deals take?
Most run several months from first talk to closing, and some run longer. Diligence and financing tend to take the most time. Organized records and fast replies to document requests speed things up.
What does earnout mean?
An earnout is a portion of the price paid after closing, tied to how the business does. It can bridge the gap between a seller's asking price and what a buyer will offer. It also leaves the seller with money depending on the next year or two, which is part of why we keep checking in after the deal.
Do you help buyers, or just sellers?
We help both. If you plan to grow by buying a company, we find targets, help with the valuation and the offer, and explain your financing options. See our Buy a Business page for more.
Talk through a merger or acquisition
Tell us what you are weighing. We will explain how a deal like yours usually goes and what to get ready first. The first conversation is free and confidential.