office setting with two men shaking hands at a merger and acquisition meeting

Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions Attorney in Arizona, Nevada, & Throughout the U.S.

At the Law Office of Jennifer M. Settles, we guide small-to-mid-sized businesses through the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, and licensed in Arizona and Nevada, Jennifer brings over 25 years of experience and has closed deals worth over $100 million. Whether you’re buying a business, selling your company, or scaling your operations, our personalized approach ensures your goals are met with clarity and confidence.

““From start to finish, our experience with the Law Office of Jennifer M. Settles when we sold our company was nothing short of exemplary. We felt well-informed and supported throughout the entire transaction. Her ability to simplify complex legal matters and ensure we were comfortable with each step was truly reassuring. Without hesitation, we would recommend her services to friends and family.”
-W.S., Founder

Why Choose Jennifer?

  • Personalized Service: We offer tailored guidance, not cookie-cutter solutions.
  • Proven Track Record: Over 50 successful M&A transactions completed since 2020, with total deal size of over $100 million.
  • Client-Focused: We prioritize your business goals, serving clients in Arizona, Nevada, and throughout the United States.
Call Now to Speak with Our Team

Understanding M&A Transactions

Mergers and acquisitions can transform your business, whether you’re expanding through a purchase or exiting via a sale. As an experienced M&A lawyer, Jennifer helps you navigate these deals to maximize value and minimize risks.

What Are Mergers and Acquisitions?

  • Mergers: Two companies combine to form a new entity, sharing assets and liabilities.
  • Acquisitions: One company buys another, either through stock purchase (taking ownership of the entity itself) or asset purchase (acquiring specific assets).
  • Why It Matters: The right structure aligns with your goals, whether strategic, financial, talent or IP-driven, tax efficiencies, succession planning, or otherwise.

Jennifer’s experience ensures your deal is structured to meet your needs, whether you’re a buyer or seller.

Preparing for a Successful M&A

Preparation is key to a smooth business acquisition or sale. Jennifer works with you early to strengthen your position and avoid surprises.

How to Get Ready

  • Organize Documents: Gather financials, tax returns, contracts, and IP records to streamline due diligence.
  • Clean Up Records: Resolve disputes or clarify ownership to boost buyer confidence.
  • Understand your Financing Options: Explore funding or payout structures to ensure the deal is both feasible and aligned with your goals.
  • Set Clear Goals: Define your priorities, like maximizing sale price or retaining key staff.

With over 25 years as a corporate and M&A attorney, Jennifer helps you prepare for success.

Call Now to Speak with Our Team

Conducting Thorough Legal Due Diligence

Due diligence is the backbone of any M&A deal. For buyers, it’s about verifying the target’s value; for sellers, it’s about presenting a clean, trustworthy business.

What Does Legal Due Diligence Involve?

  • Understanding corporate or entity structure
  • Reviewing contracts, IP rights, and real estate.
  • Identifying risks like lawsuits, compliance, and regulatory issues.
  • Uncovering liens or hidden liabilities.
  • Assessing related party transactions and contingent liabilities

Schedule a free consulation today

Structuring Your Deal

Choosing the right deal structure impacts taxes, liabilities, and operations. In coordination with your broker, tax, or financial
advisor, Jennifer tailors each structure to your goals.

Negotiating and Closing with Confidence

Negotiating an M&A deal requires balancing strategy and precision. Jennifer handles the legal steps, including negotiating and drafting the agreements, legal due diligence, and closing the deal.

Key Steps in Negotiation and Closing

  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Ensures that shared confidential information is not improperly disclosed to others.
  • Letter of Intent (LOI): Outlines deal terms to set expectations.
  • Agreements: Establishes the parties’ rights, obligations, and protections.
  • Due Diligence: Identifies risks, validates value, and informs deal terms.
  • Approvals: Confirms that necessary internal, governmental, and third party approvals are in place for closing.
  • Closing: Coordinates escrow, signatures, filings, and funding.
  • Post-Closing: Manages transitions like employee integration or contract transfers.

Contact Jennifer Today

Ready to acquire a company or sell your business? Call  602-617-3938  to get started.The Law Office of Jennifer M. Settles is here to guide you. Serving clients in Arizona, Nevada, and throughout the United States.

Call Now to Speak with Our Team