The September 23rd Center for Free Enterprise event was our 7th consecutive sellout – another capacity crowd interested in sharing their experiences, learning how to buy a business, and meeting like-minded entrepreneurs in the area. The Center for Free Enterprise was founded by myself and and David Brown of Red Hawk Associates, Ltd. just 16 […]
Buying a Troubled Business Can Be the Right Move!
For some buyers, but not most, buying a distressed or troubled business can be the right move. Buying distressed businesses is a risky acquisition strategy – but with potentially great rewards. Recently a client of mine bought a business that was so troubled that it had been shut down altogether and “mothballed.” My client knew […]
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
I cannot tell you how pleased I was this past week when I received word from Todd Federman advising that, at long last, one of North Coast Angel Fund’s portfolio companies, Assurex, is in the process of being acquired. While the details of the transaction are either not yet available or confidential, suffice it to […]
So You Want to Buy a Business?
I have assisted with many business acquisitions over my decades practicing business law, most of it focused on business transactions. Along the way, I have helped literally dozens of clients and budding entrepreneurs acquire their first businesses. In most of these cases, I also helped the client identify the acquisition opportunity. I list below a […]
In Business Transactions As In Life, Hope For the Best But Plan For the Worst
The people who build successful businesses are by and large optimists. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t have the commitment and the drive to invest so much of themselves and to build a successful business against all odds. I am all in favor of optimism, and a positive outlook. If you believe that the sun will […]
Business Valuation: Value is in the Eye of the Beholder
Below we have curated three articles to help you understand common business valuation terms, navigate common concerns, and learn about a recent high profile acquisition. CLF Assists Client in Connection with Acquisition of Mini Storage Facility We at The Calkins Law Firm, Ltd. were pleased to assist an out-of-state client with his recent acquisition of […]
Buying a Business: No Substitute for Due Diligence
While Representations, Warranties and Indemnification are Essential in an Purchase Agreement, There’s No Substitute for Thorough Due Diligence When Buying a Business When you buy a used car do you rely exclusively on the seller’s warranty or do you have the vehicle checked out by your mechanic before buying it? I always prefer to have […]
Mergers and Acquisitions Q1 Recap
The volume and value of disclosed U.S. Mergers and Acquisitions deals declined compared to Q1 2015, but the number of deals closed marked the third highest Q1 in the last 7 years. IPO activity also dried up in the first quarter, where only 8 companies raised approximately $700 million in capital, compared to 32 companies […]
Acquiring a Business: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Thoughts on acquiring a business by attorney Ben Calkins, with 30 years representing businesses on mergers & acquisitions, dispositions and joint ventures.
Mergers and Acquisitions CFE Event + New Site Launch
Headlines in Business and Market News. Articles for Entrepreneurs including a Super Bowl branding recap. Center for Free Enterprise event invitation.