Corporate M&A Attorneys: Strategic Counsel for Business Buyers and Sellers
When millions are on the line, you don’t need just a lawyer — you need a deal-maker who knows how to close without leaving value on the table.
At Howard East, our Corporate M&A Attorneys guide clients through the full life cycle of a transaction — from initial strategy to due diligence, negotiation, and closing. We represent business owners, investors, and corporations in Illinois, Missouri, and New York, ensuring every deal is structured, compliant, and profitable.
We Help You Buy, Sell, or Restructure Your Business the Right Way
Whether you’re selling your life’s work, acquiring a competitor, or merging with a strategic partner, every move you make changes your financial future. Our M&A lawyers handle:
Business Sales & Acquisitions – Full representation for asset sales, stock sales, and membership interest transfers.
Mergers & Reorganizations – Tax-efficient structures that protect your equity and position your company for growth.
Private Equity & Venture Transactions – We help you negotiate term sheets, investment agreements, and exit options.
Due Diligence & Risk Management – Identify liabilities before they become lawsuits.
Confidentiality & Non-Compete Agreements – Safeguard trade secrets, goodwill, and client relationships.
Regulatory & Licensing Compliance – Especially in highly regulated industries like cannabis, healthcare, and finance.
Every transaction is unique — but our mission is simple: close the deal while protecting your upside.
Our M&A Process: Built for Speed and Precision
1. Deal Strategy & Valuation
We start with your goals — exit, acquisition, or expansion — and align deal structure with your tax and long-term strategy.
2. Letter of Intent (LOI)
We draft or refine the LOI to lock in key deal terms before due diligence begins.
3. Due Diligence Review
We audit the target company’s contracts, liabilities, IP, and financials to expose hidden risks early.
4. Negotiation & Documentation
Our team drafts or redlines definitive agreements that secure your interests — from purchase agreements to transition plans.
5. Closing & Integration
We oversee closing logistics and ensure post-closing obligations are clear, enforceable, and advantageous
Our Howard East Law Firm Attorney's Recognition
Our founding attorney, Tom Howard, has been recognized by both Leading Lawyers & Super Lawyers, quoted in the Wall Street Journal & Top 200 Lawyer. He is a member of the NORML Legal Committee & a Certified Ganjier.
Why Business Owners Choose Howard East
Dealmakers
We bring 15+ years of experience in corporate law and regulated industries, helping clients execute complex transactions efficiently.
Results-Driven Counsel
We know your success is measured in ROI, not billable hours. Our focus is protecting value and minimizing risk.
Multi-State Experience
Licensed in Illinois, Missouri, and New York, we handle local and cross-border deals seamlessly.
Confidential. Strategic. Ethical.
Every deal is handled with absolute discretion and precision.
Where We Practice
Illinois
Handle buy/sell transactions across corporations, LLCs, and partnerships Navigate Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues in licensed industries Structure transactions for tax efficiency and post-closing protection Negotiate LOIs, purchase agreements, and non-competes tailored to Illinois law
Missouri:
Represent business owners in sales, mergers, and buyouts Manage multi-entity reorganizations and asset transfers Counsel clients on Missouri employment and non-solicitation laws Coordinate closings with lenders, accountants, and regulatory agencies
New York
Guide cross-border and multi-state transactions Draft and negotiate stock and asset purchase agreements Advise on securities compliance and due diligence for private offerings Manage regulatory and licensing transitions in highly regulated industries
Contact Experienced Lawyers Now
Let’s Talk About Your Deal
- Sell multi-state operations for maximum value
- Acquire competitors to expand market share
- Negotiate earn-outs and seller financing that protect their future
- Handle post-closing disputes discreetly and efficiently
FAQ: Mergers & Acquisitions Law
1. What does an M&A attorney actually do?
An M&A attorney manages every legal and strategic aspect of buying, selling, or merging a business — from structure and negotiation to closing and compliance.
2. How long does an M&A transaction take?
Smaller deals can close in 45–90 days; larger, regulated transactions can take several months.
3. What’s the difference between an asset sale and a stock sale
An asset sale transfers specific assets and liabilities, while a stock or membership sale transfers ownership of the entire business entity.
4. Do I need separate legal counsel if I’m the seller?
Yes. A seller’s lawyer ensures your post-closing obligations are limited and that your personal guarantees or liabilities are eliminated.
5. What industries require extra M&A regulatory oversight?
Canna/psychedelics, healthcare, and financial services all require state-level disclosure, licensing updates, and sometimes agency approval before transfer.