Mergers & Acquisitions

Navigate complex transactions with confidence. Buy-side and sell-side representation from due diligence to closing.

Buying or selling a business is one of the most significant financial transactions a business owner will ever undertake. The stakes are high, the process is complex, and the legal and financial risks are substantial. You need an attorney who understands both the law and the numbers.

Attorney Michael Zara brings a unique combination of legal expertise and accounting knowledge to M&A transactions. With a J.D. from the University of Denver and a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University, Mike has the dual perspective needed to evaluate deals from both a legal and financial standpoint. This means more thorough due diligence, better deal structuring, and stronger protection for your interests at every stage.

Whether you are acquiring a competitor, selling your life's work, or merging two businesses into one, Zara Business Law provides the strategic counsel you need to maximize value and minimize risk. We handle transactions for businesses of all sizes, from small owner-operated companies to mid-market enterprises with complex multi-entity structures.

Our M&A Services

We guide clients through every phase of the M&A process, from initial strategy and target identification through due diligence, negotiation, documentation, and closing. Our goal is not just to close the deal, but to close it on terms that protect your interests and position you for success.

Buy-Side Representation

We represent buyers in business acquisitions, conducting thorough due diligence, negotiating favorable terms, and structuring transactions to minimize risk and maximize value.

Sell-Side Representation

When you are ready to sell your business, we prepare you for market, manage the legal aspects of the sale process, and negotiate terms that protect your interests and maximize your return.

Due Diligence

Our due diligence process is comprehensive and informed by Mike's accounting background. We review financial records, contracts, litigation history, IP assets, employment matters, regulatory compliance, and more.

Deal Structuring

Asset purchase vs. stock purchase, earn-outs, escrow arrangements, seller financing, representations and warranties. We structure deals to optimize your tax position and risk allocation.

Letter of Intent & Purchase Agreements

We draft and negotiate LOIs and definitive purchase agreements that clearly define deal terms, protect your interests, and establish the framework for a successful closing.

Post-Closing Integration

The deal does not end at closing. We advise on post-closing obligations including transition services, earn-out compliance, employment transitions, and contract assignments.

Why Choose Zara Business Law

Attorney Michael Zara brings nearly 20 years of legal experience and a B.S. in Accounting to every engagement. This dual expertise means you receive advice that is both legally sound and financially practical. Every client receives Mike's direct phone number because business legal needs do not follow a schedule.

We serve clients in all 50 states from our Denver, Colorado office. Whether you need local counsel in Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, or North Carolina, or nationwide representation through our network of legal partners, we have the reach and resources to serve your business wherever it operates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most business acquisitions take 3 to 9 months from initial letter of intent to closing, depending on the complexity of the deal, the thoroughness of due diligence required, regulatory approvals, and the responsiveness of both parties. Some simpler transactions can close in as little as 60 days.

Due diligence is a comprehensive investigation of the target business before a transaction closes. It covers financial records, legal matters, contracts, employment issues, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, environmental concerns, and more. Thorough due diligence protects buyers from hidden liabilities and ensures that the purchase price reflects the true value and condition of the business.

Asset purchases allow buyers to select specific assets and avoid assuming unknown liabilities, but may require consent from third parties and can be more complex to execute. Stock purchases are simpler to close and preserve existing contracts and relationships, but the buyer assumes all liabilities of the entity. The best structure depends on your specific situation, tax considerations, and risk tolerance. Read our due diligence checklist for more details.

An earn-out is a deal structure where a portion of the purchase price is contingent on the business achieving certain performance targets after closing. Earn-outs can bridge valuation gaps between buyers and sellers but must be carefully structured to avoid disputes over measurement and compliance.

Yes. A business broker helps find buyers or sellers and facilitates the business aspects of the deal, but brokers are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. An M&A attorney handles due diligence, drafts and reviews legal documents, negotiates deal terms, and protects your legal interests throughout the transaction.

Ready to Protect Your Business?

Schedule a confidential consultation with attorney Michael A. Zara to discuss your business legal needs.