You built your business. We protect what you have built when it is time to sell. Our Washington DC business exit attorneys represent owners selling companies across Government Contracting, Technology, Professional Services, providing strategic sell-side counsel that maximizes your value, protects your interests, and gets the deal across the finish line.
Share the basics. Alex reviews every inquiry personally.
Submission Received
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
What We Do
Alex Lubyansky handles business exit & sell-side law work for buyers and sellers in Washington DC and across the country. Here is what that looks like:
Sell-side legal representation for business owners
Exit readiness assessment and pre-sale preparation
Buyer vetting and offer evaluation
Purchase agreement negotiation on behalf of sellers
Representations and warranties management to minimize post-closing liability
Escrow and indemnification cap structuring
Non-compete and transition services agreement negotiation
Post-closing obligation management and earnout dispute support
Who We Serve
We work best with people who know what they want and are ready to move:
Business owners planning to sell within the next 6 to 24 months
Founders who received an offer and need legal counsel immediately
Family-owned businesses planning generational transitions through sale
Business owners approached by private equity firms or strategic buyers
Partners managing a business dissolution through sale of assets
Entrepreneurs ready to exit and move on to their next venture
See If Your Deal Is a Fit
Tell us what you are working on. We respond within one business day.
Submission Received
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Our Process
A structured, methodical approach to business exit & sell-side law
1
Exit Readiness Review
We assess your corporate records, contracts, and legal standing to identify issues that could reduce your sale price or delay closing, and help you fix them before going to market.
2
Deal Strategy
We work with you and your advisors to define your priorities, whether that is maximizing cash at close, minimizing post-closing risk, retaining key terms, or achieving a clean break.
3
Offer Evaluation & LOI Negotiation
We analyze incoming offers and negotiate letter of intent terms that set you up for a successful transaction, including purchase price structure, exclusivity, and closing conditions.
4
Purchase Agreement Negotiation
Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky personally negotiates the definitive purchase agreement, fighting for seller-favorable terms on reps and warranties, indemnification, escrow, and closing mechanics.
5
Closing & Transition
We manage the closing process, coordinate with all parties, and handle transition services agreements and non-compete terms so you can exit on your terms.
We don't take every matter. Here is what happens when you reach out.
1
Personal Review (Within 24 Hours)
Alex reviews your transaction details personally. No intake coordinators, no junior associates screening your submission.
2
Fit Assessment
We evaluate whether your deal aligns with our practice. Not every matter is a fit, and we will tell you directly if it is not.
3
Initial Conversation
If there is alignment, Alex schedules a direct call to discuss your transaction, timeline, and objectives.
4
Clear Engagement Terms
Before any work begins, you receive a written engagement letter with defined scope, timeline, and fee structure. No surprises.
Request Your Washington DC Engagement Assessment
Alex Lubyansky handles every business exit & sell-side law engagement personally.
15+ years of M&A experience. Nationwide. One attorney on every deal.
Request Engagement Assessment
We review every transaction inquiry within one business day.
Submission Received
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Questions to Ask Any M&A Attorney Before Hiring
Use these before you call any firm, including ours.
1. "Who will actually handle my transaction?"
At many firms, a partner sells the work and a junior associate does it. Ask for the name of the attorney who will draft and negotiate your documents.
2. "How many M&A transactions has the lead attorney closed in the past 12 months?"
Volume indicates current, active deal experience, not just credentials from years ago.
3. "What is your experience with my deal size and industry?"
A $500K SBA acquisition and a $50M PE deal require different skill sets. Make sure the attorney has handled transactions similar to yours.
4. "Will you coordinate with my CPA, financial advisor, and broker?"
M&A transactions require a team. Your attorney should work with your other advisors, not in a silo.
5. "How do you handle post-closing disputes?"
Reps, warranties, and indemnification claims surface months after closing. Ask whether the firm handles post-closing litigation or refers it out.
6. "What is your fee structure, and what drives cost?"
Ask how the engagement is scoped, what is included, and what factors drive cost increases. Defined scope with a retainer gives the clearest cost picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Washington DC clients
When should I hire a lawyer to help sell my business?
Ideally, engage a business exit attorney 6 to 12 months before you plan to go to market. This gives us time to clean up corporate records, resolve potential deal-killers, and structure the company for maximum sale value. If you have already received an offer, contact us immediately so we can protect your interests from the start.
What does a business exit attorney do?
A business exit attorney represents you through every stage of selling your company, from pre-sale preparation through closing. This includes evaluating offers, negotiating the letter of intent and purchase agreement, managing due diligence requests, structuring protections against post-closing claims, and coordinating the closing itself.
How do I minimize my liability after selling my business?
Post-closing liability is one of the biggest concerns for sellers. Acquisition Stars negotiates tight limitations on your representations and warranties, caps on indemnification exposure, short survival periods, and basket and deductible structures that protect you from buyer claims after the sale closes.
How long does it take to sell a business?
From the time you accept a letter of intent, most deals close within 60 to 120 days. The full process, including pre-sale preparation and marketing, can take 6 to 12 months. Acquisition Stars keeps deals on schedule by responding quickly, anticipating issues, and pushing the process forward without unnecessary delays.
Why choose Acquisition Stars to represent me as a seller?
Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky personally handles every sell-side engagement, bringing 15+ years of exclusive M&A experience to your transaction. You are not handed off to a junior associate. You get experienced counsel with the personal attention and responsiveness that a deal of this importance deserves.
How do District of Columbia non-compete laws affect business exit & sell-side law transactions?
The DC Ban on Non-Compete Agreements Amendment Act of 2020 (effective October 1, 2022) bans non-compete agreements for nearly all DC employees, with a narrow exception for highly compensated medical specialists earning over $250,000 annually. The ban does not apply to non-competes signed in connection with the sale of a business.
What are the District of Columbia tax considerations for a business exit?
DC imposes a corporate franchise tax at 8.25% on DC-sourced income. The district uses a three-factor apportionment formula (sales, property, payroll) with double-weighted sales. DC also imposes an unincorporated business franchise tax on pass-through entities. There is no estate tax reciprocity with surrounding states.
Does District of Columbia have a bulk sales law that affects business acquisitions?
The District of Columbia has repealed UCC Article 6 (Bulk Sales). DC's Office of Tax and Revenue may impose successor liability on buyers of business assets for the seller's unpaid taxes. Obtaining a tax clearance certificate before closing is recommended.
What can I expect during an initial consultation in Washington DC?
During your confidential initial consultation in Washington DC, we'll discuss your business exit & sell-side law needs, review your current situation, assess potential challenges specific to District of Columbia, 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 Washington DC?
Yes, we represent clients nationwide while maintaining a strong presence in Washington DC. Our managing partner handles business exit & sell-side 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
Submit transaction details and Alex will respond directly.
Submission Received
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
The Washington DC M&A Market
The DC metro area's M&A market is uniquely driven by government contracting, cybersecurity, and professional services firms. GovCon acquisitions represent the largest deal category, as defense and IT services companies pursue scale to compete for larger contract vehicles. The region also sees significant deal flow in healthcare (anchored by NIH), consulting, and lobby/public affairs firms.
Top M&A Sectors in Washington DC
Government Contracting
Cybersecurity
Professional Services
Healthcare & Biotech
Defense Technology
Deal Environment
GovCon M&A requires specialized due diligence on contract novation, security clearances, and DCAA compliance. Buyers without GovCon experience often underestimate the regulatory complexity of acquiring cleared contractors.
Why Acquire in Washington DC
The federal government spends over $700 billion annually on contracts, creating a massive and recession-resistant market. GovCon companies with established contract vehicles and security clearances command premium valuations.
District of Columbia Legal Considerations
Virginia's non-compete statute (effective 2020) prohibits non-competes for low-wage employees and requires careful drafting for enforceability - acquirers must review all employee agreements across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia jurisdictions as each state has different rules.
Why Washington DC Clients Work With Us
Our proximity to federal regulators and understanding of government contracting regulations makes us uniquely positioned to serve DC-area companies.
Local Market Context
Washington DC M&A Market
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA · MSA population 6.4M
MSA Population (2024)
6.4M
U.S. Census Bureau
Top Industry Concentration
1 defense and government contracting
2 technology and cybersecurity
3 professional services
The Washington DC metro is defined by government contracting, defense, and technology services. The largest M&A transactions in this metro involve defense and intelligence contractors, IT services firms with federal clients, and cybersecurity companies. The Northern Virginia data center corridor is the largest data center market in the world and drives significant technology infrastructure deal activity. Consulting and professional services firm acquisitions are a consistent feature.
Major Washington DC Employers and Deal Anchors
Lockheed Martin
Booz Allen Hamilton
Leidos
Amazon Web Services (HQ2)
MITRE
Inova Health System
Transit and Logistics
Reagan National, Dulles International, and BWI airports serve the metro. The metro is heavily dependent on road and Metro rail for commuting; logistics infrastructure is secondary to professional services concentration.
Recent Washington DC Deal Signal (2024-2025)
Defense IT and cybersecurity acquisitions remained active in 2024-2025 as government contractors pursued small-to-mid-market technology firm acquisitions to expand cleared workforce capacity and software capabilities.
Local Regulatory Notes for Business Exit & Sell-Side Law
ITAR and EAR export control regulations apply to many defense contractor transactions. CFIUS review is more common here than in most metros given the concentration of national security-adjacent businesses.
District of Columbia Legal Considerations for Business Exit & Sell-Side Law
Non-Compete Laws
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
Filing Requirements
Entity mergers and formations require filing with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (now Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection). Businesses operating in regulated sectors (insurance, banking, healthcare) need separate approvals from the relevant DC agency.
Key District of Columbia Considerations
DC's non-compete ban is among the broadest in the nation, covering virtually all employees except highly compensated medical specialists
The district's small geographic footprint means many DC businesses have employees in Virginia and Maryland, creating multi-jurisdictional non-compete and employment law complications in acquisitions
Federal government contractors headquartered in DC face unique regulatory requirements (CFIUS, DCAA compliance) that affect acquisition due diligence
District of Columbia Bar Authority
District of Columbia Bar (mandatory unified bar). Unified/integrated bar. Membership required to practice law in the District of Columbia.
Business court: No dedicated business court division. Commercial disputes proceed through general civil courts.
District of Columbia M&A Market Context
DC's M&A activity is concentrated in government contracting, associations and nonprofits, technology (cybersecurity, govtech), and law and lobbying firm transactions.
Watchpoints
Common Washington DC Business Exit & Sell-Side Law Pitfalls
These are the items we see derail business exit & sell-side law transactions in the Washington DC market. Each one is rooted in current statutory law, recent legislative changes, or recurring patterns from the deals Alex has handled.
1
District of Columbia non-compete enforcement and earn-out exposure
State legal framework
Banned for nearly all workers. Sale-of-business exception applies.
"The longer a deal drags, the worse it gets. Deal fatigue is real. Even when both parties agreed to something early on, if dates slip and deadlines slip, human nature takes over. At some point one side goes back to the internal drawing board and decides they don't want to be part of it anymore. I usually find this to be symptomatic of a poor process on the front end. Not malice. Not negative intent. Not someone running up fees. Just poor alignment, poor qualification, poor structuring at the start of the engagement. Once that's the foundation, every missed date compounds. The fix isn't more negotiation in the middle. The fix is doing better qualification before the deal team is even hired."
2
Washington DC local regulatory exposure
Local regulatory
ITAR and EAR export control regulations apply to many defense contractor transactions. CFIUS review is more common here than in most metros given the concentration of national security-adjacent businesses.
3
District of Columbia regulatory framework attorneys flag at LOI
State statute
Securities regulated by DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (disb.dc.gov). DC follows the Uniform Securities Act; Blue Sky notice filings required for Reg D offerings.
Guides and Resources
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
