Mergers & Acquisitions
Buying or Selling a Business? Get the Deal Right.
Mergers and acquisitions are among the most consequential transactions a business owner will ever undertake. Whether you're acquiring a competitor, selling the company you built, or merging with a strategic partner — the legal structure of the deal determines how much you keep, what you're liable for, and what happens next.
Ainsworth Gorkin represents buyers and sellers in M&A transactions across New York and New Jersey. We're a boutique firm — and when you work with us, you work directly with experienced partners who've seen how these deals go wrong and know how to protect you.
We represent both sides:
Buyers
Due diligence, purchase agreement review, representations & warranties, post-closing protections.
Sellers
Deal structuring, purchase price maximization, indemnification limits, earn-out protections.
What We Handle
M&A Legal Services for Small & Mid-Sized Businesses
01
Asset Purchases
Buying or selling specific business assets — equipment, contracts, customer lists, IP. We structure the deal to minimize liability and maximize what transfers cleanly.
02
Stock & Equity Purchases
Acquiring or selling ownership interests in a company. We address representations, warranties, indemnification, and the hidden liabilities that come with buying a company outright.
03
Mergers
Combining two companies into one — with all the structural, tax, and operational complexity that entails. We help you build a deal structure that works for both sides.
04
Due Diligence
Reviewing contracts, liabilities, litigation history, IP ownership, employment matters, and regulatory compliance. We find the issues before they become your problems.
05
Purchase Agreements
Drafting and negotiating asset purchase agreements, stock purchase agreements, and merger agreements — with the reps, warranties, and protections that matter.
06
Post-Closing Matters
Earn-out disputes, indemnification claims, transition services, and any issues that arise after the deal closes. We stay engaged through completion.
How We Work
Our M&A Process: Thorough, Efficient, Protective.
Every transaction is different, but the framework for protecting our clients is consistent.
Phase 01
Deal Structure & Strategy
Before any paper is signed, we help you understand the structure options — asset vs. stock purchase, merger mechanics, tax implications — and advise on the approach that best protects your interests.
Phase 02
Due Diligence
We conduct or review comprehensive due diligence — contracts, liabilities, IP, employment, litigation, and regulatory matters. What you don't know in a deal becomes your liability after closing.
Phase 03
Negotiation & Documentation
We draft and negotiate the purchase agreement, disclosure schedules, ancillary documents, and all related agreements. Every provision matters — and we fight for the ones that protect you.
Phase 04
Closing & Post-Closing
We manage the closing process and address any post-closing matters — earn-out provisions, transition services, indemnification claims, and anything else that arises after the deal closes.
Why Ainsworth Gorkin
M&A Counsel That Protects Your Bottom Line.
Most M&A transactions for small and mid-sized businesses don't need a large law firm — they need experienced counsel who focuses on your deal, communicates clearly, and charges fairly. That's what Ainsworth Gorkin delivers.
We represent business owners in transactions ranging from small asset sales to complex multi-entity mergers. Our clients are entrepreneurs and business owners, not institutional investors — and we understand what's at stake for them personally.
We're direct about risk. If something in a deal is a problem, we tell you — clearly, and with a recommendation for how to address it. We don't bury risk in legal opinions and leave you to figure it out.
We Work on Both Sides of the Table
We represent both buyers and sellers, which means we understand how the other side thinks. That perspective makes us more effective negotiators — because we know what the other party is trying to protect and where there's room to move.
1
Partners Handle Your Transaction DirectlyNo associates. Levi or Shaya works your deal from letter of intent through closing.
2
Transparent Fee StructureWe discuss fees upfront — hourly, flat, or hybrid depending on deal size and complexity. No surprises.
3
Both Buyer & Seller ExperienceWe've sat on both sides of the table. That experience shapes how we negotiate and what we watch for.
4
Direct CommunicationWe explain things in plain language, return calls promptly, and keep you informed throughout the process.
5
Free Initial ConsultationWe'll review your situation, explain your options, and give you an honest assessment before you commit to anything.
Buying or selling a business in New York? Let's talk.
Free consultation. Honest assessment. No commitment required.