Ann Arbor's M&A market is shaped by the University of Michigan's research commercialization pipeline, a growing biotech and medtech corridor, and the ongoing transformation of Michigan's automotive supply chain toward EV and autonomous vehicle technology. Whether you are acquiring a life sciences startup spun out of UM research or purchasing an established manufacturing business in Washtenaw County, the legal work requires counsel who understands IP-heavy deal structures, regulatory considerations, and Michigan-specific transaction mechanics. Acquisition Stars handles the transaction, from LOI through closing.
A structured, methodical approach to mergers and acquisitions work
1
Transaction Planning
We work with you to define deal objectives, identify targets or buyers, and develop an M&A strategy aligned with your business goals.
2
Due Diligence
We conduct comprehensive legal, financial, and operational due diligence to identify risks and opportunities.
3
Deal Structuring
We structure the transaction for optimal tax treatment, risk allocation, and regulatory compliance, whether as a stock purchase, asset purchase, or merger.
4
Negotiation & Documentation
We negotiate letters of intent, purchase agreements, and all transaction documents to protect your interests and facilitate a smooth closing.
5
Closing & Integration
We manage the closing process and provide post-closing support for integration, earnout disputes, and transition matters.
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. Your submission is not screened by an intake coordinator before it reaches him.
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, we schedule a 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.
Request Your Engagement Assessment
Acquisition Stars handles mergers and acquisitions work for buyers and sellers nationwide.
M&A counsel. Nationwide. LOI through closing.
Request Engagement Assessment
Alex reviews each inquiry. If there is alignment, you will hear back 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from clients
How does the University of Michigan's technology license affect an acquisition in Ann Arbor?
Many Ann Arbor startups operate under exclusive or semi-exclusive licenses from UM's Office of Technology Transfer. These licenses typically include milestone obligations, royalty payments, field-of-use restrictions, and provisions governing what happens on a change of control. Some licenses require UM consent before the company can be acquired, and the university may have the right to renegotiate terms or impose conditions on the new owner. This license review must happen during due diligence, before you sign a definitive purchase agreement. If the license is the core asset, its transferability and post-closing obligations drive the deal structure.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Michigan business acquisitions?
Yes.
What industries are driving M&A activity in the Ann Arbor market?
Ann Arbor's most active acquisition sectors include life sciences and biotech (driven by UM research commercialization), medical devices, automotive technology (EV components, autonomous systems, advanced materials), enterprise software and SaaS, and professional services. The city also sees consistent deal activity in healthcare practices, dental groups, and specialty clinics serving the university and surrounding communities.
What does an M&A attorney do?
An M&A attorney advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, including transaction structuring, due diligence, contract negotiation, and closing. We represent buyers, sellers, and target companies in strategic transactions, private equity deals, and corporate restructurings.
How long does an M&A transaction take?
An M&A transaction takes as long as its due diligence, negotiation and closing conditions require, so the timeline depends on the deal's complexity. Factors affecting timeline include due diligence scope, financing arrangements, and negotiation complexity.
Should I structure my acquisition as a stock purchase or asset purchase?
Use an asset purchase when you want to choose which assets and liabilities you take on, and a stock purchase when you want to buy the company as it stands. We analyze your specific situation and recommend a structure.
What is due diligence in an M&A transaction?
Due diligence is the comprehensive investigation of a target company's legal, financial, operational, and commercial affairs. It helps identify risks, validate assumptions, inform purchase price, and shape deal terms.
How are M&A deals valued and priced?
Valuation methods include comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, discounted cash flow analysis, and asset-based valuation. Purchase price is negotiated based on valuation, market conditions, strategic value, and competitive dynamics. We work with your financial advisors on pricing.
What are the Michigan tax considerations for a business acquisition or sale?
Michigan imposes a 6% Corporate Income Tax (CIT) on C-corporations. (Mich. Comp. Laws 206.623) Since 2021, a flow-through entity may elect to file a return and pay Michigan's flow-through entity tax. (Mich. Comp. Laws 206.813) Michigan uses a single sales factor apportionment formula. (Mich. Comp. Laws 206.663)
Does Michigan have a bulk sales law that affects business acquisitions?
During a confidential initial consultation, we discuss your transaction, review your current situation, assess challenges specific to Michigan, and outline a path forward. We explain our process, answer your questions, and determine whether we are the right fit.
Do you work with companies outside of Ann Arbor?
Yes. Acquisition Stars represents clients nationwide and coordinates with local counsel where state-specific requirements apply.
Need Specific Guidance?
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment.
Ann Arbor's M&A market is uniquely driven by the University of Michigan's massive research enterprise ($1.6B+ in annual research spending), which generates a continuous pipeline of biotech, healthcare IT, and deep-tech spinoffs reaching acquisition maturity. The city has become Michigan's premier tech startup hub, with companies in autonomous vehicles (from the Mcity testing ground), AI/ML, medical devices, and SaaS emerging from the university's commercialization ecosystem. Ann Arbor's proximity to Detroit's automotive industry adds a layer of mobility-tech and connected vehicle deal activity.
Top M&A Sectors
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
Healthcare IT & Digital Health
Autonomous Vehicles & Mobility Tech
SaaS & Enterprise Software
Medical Devices & Diagnostics
Deal Environment
Ann Arbor's deal market is characterized by high-quality, IP-rich businesses that attract national strategic and financial buyers. Competition for proven biotech and health IT companies is intense, though earlier-stage spinoffs and services businesses offer more moderately priced entry points. The university's tech transfer office and local accelerators like Ann Arbor SPARK provide early visibility into emerging deal opportunities.
Why Acquire Here
Ann Arbor offers access to University of Michigan's elite engineering, medical, and business talent at a fraction of Silicon Valley's cost, and the city consistently ranks among America's most educated metros. Acquiring here positions buyers in a self-reinforcing innovation ecosystem where university research, hospital system demand, and startup talent create compounding value.
Michigan Legal Considerations
Michigan's non-compete statute requires agreements to be reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and type of activity restricted. (Mich. Comp. Laws 445.774a)
Ann Arbor M&A Market Insight
Ann Arbor sits at the center of Michigan's knowledge economy. The University of Michigan generates consistent deal flow through technology transfer and startup commercialization, particularly in biotech, medical devices, and software. The city's proximity to Detroit means automotive supply chain acquisitions are common, especially as Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers retool for electric vehicle production. Many of these transactions involve complex IP licensing arrangements with the university, SBIR/STTR grant obligations that transfer with the business, and regulatory considerations tied to FDA-cleared medical devices or ITAR-controlled automotive defense components.
Common Deal Scenarios
1
Biotech or Medtech Startup Acquisition
Acquiring a life sciences company with roots in University of Michigan research involves IP due diligence that goes beyond standard commercial transactions. The IP license from UM is often the most valuable asset in the deal, and its transferability must be confirmed early.
2
Automotive Supply Chain Acquisition
Michigan's EV transition has created acquisition opportunities among Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers retooling or consolidating. These deals involve customer concentration risk analysis (dependence on one or two OEMs), equipment and tooling ownership review, environmental due diligence on manufacturing facilities, and assessment of long-term supply agreements. Purchase price allocation in manufacturing acquisitions has significant tax implications given the capital equipment involved.
3
Technology Company Acquisition in Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor's tech ecosystem produces SaaS, AI, and robotics companies that attract both strategic acquirers and PE buyers. Due diligence focuses on IP ownership (ensuring founders properly assigned IP to the company, especially if developed during university affiliations), recurring revenue quality, customer contract terms and renewal rates, and employee retention through equity rollover or stay bonuses.
Why Ann Arbor for M&A
Ann Arbor combines a research university ecosystem, a retooling automotive supply chain, and a growing technology sector into one of Michigan's most active M&A corridors. The IP-intensive nature of many deals here requires counsel who can navigate university license agreements, regulatory milestones, and technical due diligence alongside traditional purchase agreement negotiation. As Michigan's home-state market, our firm has deep familiarity with the local deal landscape, the legal framework governing these transactions, and the professional networks that facilitate closings in Washtenaw County.
Michigan Legal Considerations for Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Non-Compete Laws
Under Mich. Comp. Laws 445.774a, an employer may obtain from an employee an agreement or covenant which protects the employer's reasonable competitive business interests and expressly prohibits the employee from engaging in employment or a line of business after termination of employment, if the agreement or covenant is reasonable as to its duration, geographical area, and the type of employment or line of business. (Mich. Comp. Laws 445.774a) To the extent such an agreement or covenant is found to be unreasonable in any respect, a court may limit it to render it reasonable in light of the circumstances in which it was made and specifically enforce it as limited. (Mich. Comp. Laws 445.774a)
Michigan Bar Authority
State Bar of Michigan (mandatory unified bar). Every person licensed to practice law in Michigan is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. (Mich. Comp. Laws 600.901)
Every Michigan circuit with at least 3 circuit judges must have a business court. (Mich. Comp. Laws 600.8033)
Michigan M&A Market Context
Detroit metro is the historic automotive supply chain M&A hub; Michigan also generates significant deal activity in automotive technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Guides and Resources
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
Attorney perspective on ma attorney matters in Ann Arbor
"Seller financing is a huge buzzword. Run analytics on where your inbound comes from and you'll see it. Speak publicly about seller financing and you will attract a massive amount of interest. The trouble is, the same buzzword attracts unqualified buyers. People without intent. People without funding. People without the ability or desire to actually move forward. I love the idea, and I love the possibility of a creative structure. But it's far less likely than the internet would have you believe. The unicorn opportunity that's completely seller financed, runs hands off, and flips at a massive multiple in months... that math doesn't really make sense. You see it constantly online because it works as a way to attract a large amount of interest. Just not necessarily qualified interest."
Alex Lubyansky, Managing Partner On financing (warning) (Leo Landaverde M&A Podcast)
M&A counsel·Buy-side and sell-side representation·Admitted in Michigan, practicing nationwide
