In today's world of acquisitions and mergers, complex financial and legal arrangements can shift hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars in liabilities to either side of the ledger!

Because M&A has represented clients in both the acquiring and divesting modes, we've developed significant expertise in this area. Consistency and flexibility: both are critical to achieving success in mergers and acquisitions. Compliance requirements, benefits and compensation agreements - all need to be meticulously reviewed.

M&A provides…

• Risk management assessment
• Sarbanes-Oxley (procedures, controls, etc.) analysis
• Non-discrimination testing
• Data mapping & retention analysis
• Documentation & notice compliance review
• Filing audits (such as 5500s)
• Hidden “trigger events” (change in control, provisions, impact on vesting of non qualified plans, severance plan audits)
• Employee status confirmation (FMLA, USERRA, COBRA)
• Corporate tax & accounting procedures reviewed relative to all benefit plans
• Review/analysis of all fiduciary controls

Our experts are prepared to assist.

• Cost/benefit analyses for all health & welfare programs
• Conducting demographic analysis of combined employee population
• Bringing uniformity to the new benefit offerings & practices and reducing or eliminating liabilities – attributable to the acquisition
• Assuring new programs are supportive of the new corporate culture, strategy and mission
• Assisting with employee communications & the new HR branding
• Identifying administrative efficiencies
• Providing compliance advisory services to identify hidden liabilities

Our on-staff legal and accounting professionals can supplement your team to assure no unnecessary dollars are left on the table. Unknown liabilities oftentimes negate the profit in a transaction, or may even terminate an otherwise beneficial arrangement. M&A is committed to assisting your staff to avoid these potential costly oversights.

Blending corporate cultures during and after acquisitions can be problematic. Our expertise in this unique area can be a valuable resource to you and your other professional team members.