Mergers & Acquisitions
Whether you are acquiring a competitor, merging with a strategic partner, or preparing your company for sale, our M&A team delivers the rigorous legal analysis and practical deal experience that middle-market transactions demand. We have guided over $2 billion in completed transactions across the Chicago market and nationwide.
Mergers & Acquisitions in Chicago
Mergers and acquisitions represent transformative moments for any business. Our M&A team brings decades of transaction experience to every deal, representing buyers, sellers, and investors in complex transactions across industries including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, and financial services throughout the greater Chicago area. We serve as trusted advisors from initial strategic assessment through letter of intent, due diligence, definitive agreement negotiation, regulatory approvals, closing, and post-merger integration — ensuring that every phase of your transaction is handled with precision and an eye toward risk mitigation.
Chicago's position as one of the nation's leading commercial centers means that M&A activity here involves unique considerations — from Illinois Business Corporation Act requirements and Illinois bulk sales compliance to Cook County transfer tax implications and industry-specific regulatory approvals. Our attorneys are experienced with transactions governed by Illinois law as well as multi-state and cross-border deals. We coordinate seamlessly with investment bankers, accountants, and other advisors to keep transactions on schedule and protect our clients' interests at every turn. Our practical, deal-oriented approach has earned us the trust of entrepreneurs, private equity sponsors, and corporate development teams throughout the Midwest.
What We Handle
Buy-Side M&A Representation
Comprehensive legal counsel for acquirers including target evaluation, deal structuring, due diligence management, and purchase agreement negotiation.
Sell-Side M&A Representation
Strategic guidance for sellers through every phase of the sale process including preparation, marketing support, bid evaluation, and closing.
Due Diligence Management
Thorough legal due diligence covering contracts, intellectual property, litigation, employment matters, regulatory compliance, environmental issues, and corporate records.
Letter of Intent & Term Sheet Drafting
Preparation and negotiation of LOIs and term sheets that establish favorable deal terms while preserving flexibility during the diligence phase.
Purchase Agreement Negotiation
Detailed drafting and negotiation of asset purchase agreements, stock purchase agreements, and merger agreements with tailored representations, warranties, and indemnification provisions.
Regulatory Approval & Antitrust Analysis
Identification of required regulatory approvals, Hart-Scott-Rodino filings, and antitrust analysis to prevent deal delays or challenges.
Post-Merger Integration Support
Legal guidance on entity consolidation, contract assignments, employee transitions, and regulatory filings required after closing.
Our Approach
Strategic Assessment
We evaluate the transaction from legal, financial, and strategic perspectives, identifying key risks, potential deal-breakers, and negotiation leverage points.
Due Diligence
Our team conducts comprehensive legal due diligence across all material areas and delivers a detailed findings report highlighting issues that affect valuation or deal structure.
Negotiation & Documentation
We negotiate definitive agreements, structure representations and warranties, and craft indemnification and escrow provisions that protect your investment.
Closing & Integration
We manage the closing process, coordinate with all parties and advisors, satisfy closing conditions, and assist with post-closing integration and regulatory compliance.
Free Tool
M&A Readiness Calculator
Evaluate your company's readiness for a merger or acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Mergers & Acquisitions?
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced mergers & acquisitions attorneys.