By Alex Lubyansky Managing Partner Last updated
Acquisition Stars advises buyers and sellers on loi attorney matters across Michigan.
Serving clients across Michigan.
Request Engagement AssessmentAcquisition Stars advises buyers and sellers on loi attorney matters across Michigan. Alex Lubyansky leads every engagement, and has been M&A counsel since 2013 across transactions of varying complexity, from lower-middle-market deals to multi-party structures.
Share the basics. Alex reviews every inquiry and responds within one business day.
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 LOI should state the seller covenant in terms the state will enforce, or the term sheet promises what the purchase agreement cannot deliver.
Enforceable under statutory framework (MARA). Reformation available.
Enforceable under the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act (MARA), MCL 445.774a. Non-competes must be reasonable in duration, geographic area, and type of activity. Michigan courts apply the "rule of reasonableness" and may reform overbroad covenants. Typical enforceable periods are 1-3 years depending on the circumstances.
Tax clearance and successor liability rules decide which closing conditions the LOI should reserve.
Michigan imposes a 6% Corporate Income Tax (CIT) on C-corporations. Pass-through entities are generally not subject to entity-level tax. Michigan uses a single sales factor apportionment formula with market-based sourcing. The state repealed its Michigan Business Tax in 2012 and replaced it with the simpler CIT.
Spousal consent, entity filings, and clearance certificates belong on the LOI's closing-deliverables list.
Entity mergers and conversions are filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. Annual reports are required. Certain regulated industries require separate filings.
Creditor notice periods set the earliest closing date the LOI can promise.
Michigan has repealed UCC Article 6 (Bulk Sales). The Michigan Department of Treasury can impose successor liability on asset purchasers for the seller's unpaid taxes. Buyers should request a tax clearance letter before closing.
An HSR-reportable acquisition cannot close until both parties file and the waiting period, 30 days after filing or 15 for a cash tender offer, ends, under 15 U.S.C. 18a. From February 17, 2026 the threshold is $133.9 million; exemptions can exclude a deal. Outside 16 CFR 801.30, filing requires an executed contract, agreement in principle or letter of intent and the affidavit in 16 CFR 803.5(b).
Sources: 15 U.S.C. 18a(a), 15 U.S.C. 18a(b)(1)(B), 16 CFR 803.5(b), FTC, New HSR Thresholds and Filing Fees for 2026
The FTC states that it is accepting HSR filings on the form and instructions that were in place before February 10, 2025, after a federal district court vacated the 2025 form on February 12, 2026 and the court of appeals denied a stay on March 19, 2026. Filers may still use the 2025 form voluntarily. The current text of 16 CFR 803.5(b) requires an affidavit that a contract, agreement in principle or letter of intent has been executed and that the filer intends in good faith to complete the transaction. It also still contains the dated-document attestation added in 2025. Because the appeal is pending, counsel confirms the accepted form, instructions and affidavit wording on the FTC premerger page at filing time. A letter of intent meant to support an early filing should describe the parties, structure and scope clearly enough to match what the filing describes.
Sources: FTC, HSR Notification Forms, Instructions & Guidance, 16 CFR 803.5(b)
Acquisition Stars handles M&A transactions for Michigan clients and works with securities counsel on securities matters. Alex Lubyansky leads every M&A engagement.
Alex Lubyansky leads every letter of intent law engagement, with an associate supporting the work.
M&A counsel since 2013. Nationwide practice. LOI through closing.
We review every transaction inquiry within one business day.
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
Before you go
Talk through your transaction with Alex Lubyansky at no cost. Submit your transaction details and the team will confirm next steps.
Request Your Free ConsultationOr call (248) 266-2790