Dykema’s practice in the mergers and acquisitions field spans more than 70 years. Our experienced M&A practice advises both public and private companies using an integrated cross-disciplinary approach. 

Attorneys from our Corporate Finance group experienced in all relevant corporate disciplines necessary to complete a successful transaction lead the M&A practice group. They are supported by M&A transaction specialists in the firm who focus on employee benefits, environmental, taxation and estates, intellectual property, antitrust, real estate, employment, litigation and government contract law. 

Our services encompass a broad spectrum of deal structures, including:  

Mergers, public and private Stock and asset purchases and sales  Joint ventures and strategic alliances Spin-offs  Going-private transactions  Acquisitions and divestitures involving ESOP’s

Leveraged buy-outs Private equity investments  Exchange offers Tender offers· Proxy contests Divisional purchases and sales

We also counsel clients on corporate governance, offensive and defensive measures, and stockholder relations issues. Our projects routinely involve nationally recognized investment bankers and other advisors, and we have served as lead counsel on many cross-border transactions involving businesses in Europe, the United Kingdom, South Africa, South America, Canada, Mexico and the Far East. 

We have handled major acquisitions for companies within many different industries including banks and thrift institutions, automotive suppliers, technology/software companies, retailers, insurance companies, healthcare providers, auto dealers, gaming companies, telecommunication providers, leisure/recreation companies, investment managers, mutual funds, and financial services companies.

Working with attorneys in our Bankruptcy and Restructuring group, we have represented companies seeking to acquire companies or assets out of bankruptcy, as well as companies in bankruptcy seeking a strategic partner or potential acquirer.

Our M&A services include: 

• Negotiating investment banker engagement letters
• Counseling on deal structure, tax implications and preliminary planning 
• Advising on and implementing innovative estate planning strategies
• Negotiating and drafting complex business agreements 
• Conducting due diligence investigations of potential targets or acquirers 
• Advising boards and special committees on the transaction process and applicable fiduciary duties
• Preparing proxy materials for stockholder approved transactions
• Assisting in the planning and implementation of transactions conducted as “auctions”
• Tender offer strategy planning and document preparation 
• Preparing pre-merger notification reports under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act 
• Obtaining governmental approvals 
• Negotiating transaction financing and drafting related documentation 
  
  

For more information about our Mergers/Acquisitions practice, please contact:
Michael Bernard, Leader 313-568-5374    Mark Peters 313-568-5333
Jeffrey Dalebroux 312-627-2136
Hong Le Webb 202-906-8620