Avoiding common pitfalls during a merger

In Business Organizations by Coolidge Wall

Merging with or acquiring another company can be a huge step for the future of any business. These decisions and negotiations are not made lightly and the stakes can be quite high. 

In the best scenarios, both companies benefit from these transactions and the emerging business is successful. However, there are numerous obstacles that can put these deals and the companies involved in jeopardy. 

Some of the biggest obstacles facing companies during and after a merger or an acquisition relate to the difficulty of establishing or maintaining effective business practices in the wake of big changes.

For instance, many people are motivated to make these deals based on misguided intentions. Rather than taking a logical, objective approach to merger, people can also or instead be motivated by fear, personal financial gain or idealized plans for the business. 

Further, mergers can strain resources, making it impossible to recover; hiccups that initially seemed minor can escalate beyond repair when they are not properly addressed. Failure to plan for the logistical aftermath of a merger or acquisition can contribute to the failure of the company.

These are considerations that must be made by business owners and other parties involved in these transactions. These are the areas where people will want to focus their energy and strategic plans.

However, there are too many instances where business owners cannot do these things because they are also trying to work out the legal details of these deals.

Rather than utilize valuable resources to negotiate a purchase or merger, research compliance issues and perform due diligence, the parties involved in these situations should instead consider working with an attorney. Legal representatives familiar with Ohio and federal corporate laws, regulations and procedures can help business owners avoid costly mistakes and identify potential obstacles before they become disastrous.