The letter of intent sets the terms that define your entire deal. Our Menlo Park LOI attorneys draft, review, and negotiate letters of intent for business acquisitions across Venture Capital, Technology, SaaS, ensuring you lock in favorable terms and avoid costly surprises before you commit to due diligence.
Our managing partner provides selective letter of intent law counsel to clients in Menlo Park and nationwide, including:
We engage selectively with capitalized founders and investors in Menlo Park and nationwide:
The Bay Area is ground zero for technology M&A, with the highest concentration of venture-backed startups and tech acquirers in the world. Deal activity centers on SaaS companies, fintech platforms, biotech firms, and AI/ML startups. Strategic acquisitions by large tech companies and PE-backed roll-ups of vertical SaaS businesses drive consistent deal flow in the $5M-$50M range.
San Francisco deal valuations run 20-40% higher than national averages due to competition from strategic acquirers and growth equity firms. Sellers benefit from multiple bidders, but buyers need sophisticated deal structures to compete without overpaying.
The Bay Area produces more venture-backed companies than any other market, creating a steady pipeline of acquisition targets as startups seek exits. Access to world-class engineering talent makes acquired companies easier to scale post-close.
California's non-compete prohibition, combined with strict employee classification rules (AB 5) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), require careful due diligence on employment practices and data handling during any acquisition.
A structured, methodical approach to letter of intent law
We review the proposed terms or your acquisition goals, identify leverage points, and develop a negotiation strategy that positions you for a successful deal.
We draft a new LOI or mark up the existing one, structuring binding and non-binding provisions to protect your interests while keeping the deal moving forward.
We negotiate key terms including purchase price structure, exclusivity periods, due diligence timelines, and closing conditions directly with the other side's counsel.
Once terms are agreed, we finalize the LOI and ensure both parties understand which provisions are binding, which are aspirational, and what happens next.
We carry the negotiated LOI terms into the due diligence phase and definitive purchase agreement, maintaining consistency and momentum through closing.
"The LOI is where leverage is won or lost. Once you sign a poorly structured letter of intent, you've already conceded negotiating positions you didn't even know you had. The purchase agreement just documents what the LOI already gave away."
Banned entirely. Limited exception for sale of a business.
Mergers and asset acquisitions require filings with the California Secretary of State. The California Franchise Tax Board requires tax clearance certificates for dissolving entities. Bulk sales transactions require Notice to Creditors filings. Foreign entities must qualify with the Secretary of State before doing business in California.
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 Menlo Park 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
Key provisions and structure for an acquisition letter of intent.
Read guideUnderstanding the binding and non-binding elements of each document.
Read guidePractical guidance on structuring term sheets for acquisitions.
Read guideHow exclusivity provisions work and what buyers should negotiate.
Read guideOur managing partner provides selective letter of intent 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