Business Acquisition Lawyer • Austin, Texas

Business Acquisition Lawyer in Austin

Buying a business is one of the highest-stakes decisions you will make. Our Austin business acquisition lawyers bring 15+ years of transaction experience and personal Managing Partner involvement to every deal, guiding buyers through acquisitions across Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing with the strategic precision and speed your timeline demands.

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Selective M&A Practice
Personal Attention
Managing Partner on Every Deal

What We Do

Our managing partner provides selective business acquisition law counsel to clients in Austin and nationwide, including:

  • End-to-end legal representation for business buyers
  • Target company evaluation and risk assessment
  • Purchase agreement drafting and negotiation
  • Asset purchase and stock purchase structuring
  • Escrow, earnout, and contingent consideration arrangements
  • Third-party consent and regulatory approval coordination
  • Representations, warranties, and indemnification provisions
  • Post-closing transition and integration support

Who We Serve

We engage selectively with capitalized founders and investors in Austin and nationwide:

  • First-time business buyers seeking experienced legal guidance
  • Search fund operators acquiring their first company
  • Private equity-backed buyers executing add-on acquisitions
  • Corporate development teams pursuing strategic acquisitions
  • Independent sponsors and fundless sponsors closing deals
  • Entrepreneurs acquiring businesses through SBA-financed transactions

The Austin M&A Market

Austin has evolved from a mid-tier tech market into one of the nation's hottest M&A environments, fueled by the Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung presences and a thriving startup ecosystem. The city leads in SaaS, semiconductor, and clean energy acquisitions. Dell Technologies' headquarter presence creates a massive supplier and partner ecosystem of acquisition targets.

Top M&A Sectors in Austin

  • SaaS & Software
  • Semiconductors
  • Clean Energy
  • Healthcare Technology
  • Consumer Products

Deal Environment

Austin's rapid growth has created intense competition for quality targets, with valuations rising faster than in other Texas metros. Many founders are younger and less experienced with exits, creating opportunities for buyers who can educate on deal process.

Why Acquire in Austin

Austin's population has grown over 30% in a decade, and its concentration of engineering talent (UT Austin produces 10,000+ STEM graduates annually) makes it easier to scale acquired technology businesses.

Texas Legal Considerations

Texas's franchise (margin) tax applies to businesses with revenue exceeding $2.47 million and can create unexpected tax liability during ownership transitions - proper entity structuring during the acquisition is essential.

Our Process

A structured, methodical approach to business acquisition law

1

Deal Assessment

We review the target business, your acquisition goals, and the proposed deal terms to develop a strategic game plan tailored to your specific situation.

2

Due Diligence

Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky leads a thorough investigation of the target's contracts, liabilities, intellectual property, and regulatory standing to surface risks before you commit.

3

Deal Structuring & Negotiation

We structure the transaction to optimize risk allocation and negotiate purchase agreements, employment agreements, and ancillary documents that protect your interests.

4

Closing Coordination

We manage the closing checklist, coordinate with lenders and third parties, and ensure every condition is satisfied so your deal closes on schedule.

5

Post-Closing Support

After the deal closes, we assist with purchase price adjustments, earnout calculations, transition matters, and any post-closing disputes that arise.

Request Engagement Assessment

"If you don't qualify aggressively on the front end, what a terrible waste of time. The other party might not have actual funding, they might not have actual backing, they might not have actual intent. They're just using the deal as a way to gain free market information."

Alex Lubyansky, Managing Partner On qualifying acquisition targets before committing resources

Texas Legal Considerations for Business Acquisition Law

Non-Compete Laws

Enforceable only if ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement. Mandatory reformation.

Filing Requirements

Entity mergers and conversions must be filed with the Texas Secretary of State. Franchise tax (margin tax) compliance is required. The Comptroller's office handles tax clearance certificates for asset purchases. Public Information Reports are required annually.

Key Texas Considerations

  • Texas has no corporate or personal income tax, making it one of the most favorable jurisdictions for structuring acquisitions, though the Franchise (Margin) Tax still applies as a gross-receipts-based tax
  • As a community property state, spousal consent is required for the sale of community property business interests, adding a required step in deal documentation
  • Texas's unique requirement that non-competes be "ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement" means buyers must carefully evaluate the enforceability of each non-compete in a target company's portfolio based on the underlying consideration

Discuss Your Business Acquisition Law Needs in Austin

Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner.

Your information is kept strictly confidential and will never be shared. Privacy Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Austin clients

What does a business acquisition lawyer do?
A business acquisition lawyer guides you through every stage of purchasing a company, from initial due diligence and deal structuring through contract negotiation and closing. At Acquisition Stars, Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky is personally involved in every deal, bringing 15+ years of M&A experience to protect your interests and keep your acquisition on track.
When should I hire a lawyer for buying a business?
Engage a business acquisition lawyer before you sign a letter of intent. Early involvement allows us to shape deal terms in your favor, identify red flags during due diligence, and avoid costly mistakes that become much harder to fix once you are deep into negotiations.
What is the difference between an asset purchase and a stock purchase?
In an asset purchase, you select specific assets and liabilities to acquire, which gives you more control over what you take on. In a stock purchase, you buy the entity itself, including all of its obligations. Each structure carries different tax, liability, and operational implications, and the right choice depends on your specific deal.
How long does it take to close on a business acquisition?
Most middle-market business acquisitions close within 60 to 120 days from signing a letter of intent. Timelines vary based on due diligence complexity, financing requirements, and regulatory approvals. Acquisition Stars is built for speed, and we work to eliminate unnecessary delays that put deals at risk.
How is Acquisition Stars different from other M&A firms?
Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky is personally involved in every deal, not a junior associate. You get extensive M&A experience with the personal attention and responsiveness of a boutique firm. We move at the speed your deal requires because we understand that in acquisitions, timing is everything.
How do Texas non-compete laws affect business acquisition law transactions?
Enforceable only if ancillary to or part of an otherwise enforceable agreement under the Texas Business & Commerce Code Section 15.50-15.52 (Covenants Not to Compete Act). The covenant must contain limitations as to time, geography, and scope that are reasonable and do not impose a greater restraint than necessary. Texas courts must reform (not void) overbroad covenants to make them enforceable. The "ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement" requirement typically means the non-compete must be connected to consideration such as stock options, proprietary information access, or a sale of business.
What are the Texas tax considerations for buying a business?
Texas has no corporate income tax and no personal income tax. The state imposes a Franchise (Margin) Tax on entities with total revenue exceeding $2.47 million (2024 threshold), at rates of 0.375% (retail/wholesale) or 0.75% (other). As a community property state, spousal consent is required for transfers of community property business assets. The no-income-tax environment significantly affects deal structuring.
Does Texas have a bulk sales law that affects business acquisitions?
Texas has repealed UCC Article 6 (Bulk Sales). However, Texas Tax Code Section 111.020 permits the Comptroller to impose successor liability on asset purchasers for the seller's unpaid franchise (margin) tax and sales tax. Buyers must request a tax clearance certificate before closing.
What can I expect during an initial consultation in Austin?
During your confidential initial consultation in Austin, we'll discuss your business acquisition law needs, review your current situation, assess potential challenges specific to Texas, and outline a clear path forward. We'll explain our process, answer your questions, and determine if we're the right fit for your needs.
Do you work with companies outside of Austin?
Yes, we represent clients nationwide while maintaining a strong presence in Austin. Our managing partner handles business acquisition law matters across all 50 states, coordinating with local counsel where state-specific requirements apply.

Need Specific Guidance?

Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner

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Guides and Resources

In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction

Sell-Side M&A: When and Why You Need Counsel

Key considerations for sellers navigating the M&A process with legal representation.

Read guide

M&A Due Diligence Checklist

A structured approach to legal, financial, and operational due diligence.

Read guide

LOI vs Purchase Agreement: Key Differences

Understanding the binding and non-binding elements of each document.

Read guide

Why M&A Deals Fail

Common deal-killers and how experienced counsel helps prevent them.

Read guide

Franchise Acquisition: FDD Review Guide

What buyers should look for in a Franchise Disclosure Document.

Read guide

Related Services in Austin

Other Locations We Serve

Helpful Resources

Business Acquisition Law Counsel in Austin

Our managing partner provides selective business acquisition law counsel for transactions nationwide. Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment.

Request Engagement Assessment

Submit transaction details for review. We engage selectively with capitalized buyers and sellers.

Your information is kept strictly confidential and will never be shared. Privacy Policy

Selective M&A practice - Nationwide reach - Managing partner on every deal