Every searcher should partner with a lawyer they trust. But why? After all, there is no rule requiring you to hire a lawyer. You are free to do as many deals as you want, without paying a dime for legal advice. Here are two reasons:
1. Structure. A lawyer can help you structure your deal. There are countless ways to do it. The right structure will depend on, among other things, the nature of the business, your financing options, and tax. A lawyer can help you navigate these complex issues.
Yet truth be told, lawyers are not the only ones who can help with structure. There are countless M&A advisors, many experienced, who may also be able to help. So, what’s the second (perhaps more compelling) reason?
2. Information Asymmetry. Where a lawyer brings serious value to the table is in addressing information asymmetry. In any deal, there is a gap between what the seller knows or ought to know, and what the buyer knows. A good lawyer will ask the right questions during diligence, and translate any unknowns into a strong purchase agreement that protects the buyer's interests.