Planning to take your company public? Our Westlake-based attorneys specialize in IPOs, direct listings, SPAC mergers, and alternative paths to public markets for companies across Technology, Healthcare, Finance.
Our managing partner provides selective ipo & going public law counsel to clients in Westlake and nationwide, including:
We engage selectively with capitalized founders and investors in Westlake and nationwide:
Cleveland's M&A market is anchored by its legacy in advanced manufacturing, polymers, and coatings, with companies like Sherwin-Williams and Parker Hannifin creating deep supplier networks ripe for consolidation. The healthcare sector, led by the Cleveland Clinic ecosystem, drives significant deal activity in medical devices, health IT, and specialty physician practices. Northeast Ohio's middle-market private equity community is active, with firms like Resilience Capital Partners and Linsalata Capital sourcing deals across the Rust Belt corridor.
Cleveland offers a favorable buyer's market with lower valuation multiples than coastal cities, though competition has increased as out-of-state PE firms target the region's undervalued industrial businesses. Sellers benefit from a growing pool of strategic acquirers seeking bolt-on acquisitions in manufacturing and healthcare.
Cleveland's cost of doing business is 15-20% below the national average, and the region's skilled trades workforce and proximity to 50% of the U.S. and Canadian populations via road and rail make it a compelling base for growth-oriented acquisitions. The metro's ongoing economic diversification into tech and healthcare creates momentum for both legacy and emerging businesses.
Ohio's Bulk Sales Act has been repealed, simplifying asset sale transactions, but buyers should note that Ohio enforces non-compete agreements under a reasonableness standard and requires careful attention to commercial activity tax (CAT) obligations that transfer with business acquisitions.
"Going public changes everything about how you operate. The reporting obligations, the insider trading rules, the proxy requirements. Companies that aren't prepared for life as a public company shouldn't be rushing to get there."
Enforceable with Raimonde reasonableness test. Reformation available.
Entity mergers and conversions must be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. The Department of Taxation requires tax clearance for asset purchases. Biennial (odd-year) reports are required for domestic corporations.
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner.
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
Common questions from Westlake clients
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner
Submit Transaction DetailsIn-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
State-by-state securities registration requirements and exemptions.
Read guideHow private companies can issue equity compensation under Rule 701.
Read guideFiling requirements for Regulation D offerings at the state level.
Read guideHow reverse mergers work and when they make sense as a path to going public.
Read guideRequirements for selling restricted and control securities.
Read guideOur managing partner provides selective ipo & going public law counsel for transactions nationwide. Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment.
Submit transaction details for review. We engage selectively with capitalized buyers and sellers.
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
Selective M&A practice - Nationwide reach - Managing partner on every deal