Austin's M&A market has matured well beyond the tech-only narrative. Deal activity spans venture-backed SaaS exits, PE rollups of professional services firms, healthcare platform acquisitions, and industrial businesses serving the Samsung, Tesla, and Apple supply chains. Our managing partner handles Austin-area transactions personally, from the initial LOI through closing and post-close transition.
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 mergers & acquisitions law work for buyers and sellers in Austin and across the country. Here is what that looks like:
Mergers and acquisitions (buy-side and sell-side)
Due diligence and risk assessment
Purchase agreements and transaction documents
Asset purchases and stock purchases
Merger integration planning
Earnouts and contingent consideration
Representations and warranties
Post-closing disputes and adjustments
Who We Serve
We work best with people who know what they want and are ready to move:
Companies looking to acquire competitors or complementary businesses
Business owners planning to sell their companies
Private equity firms executing buy-side mandates
Companies facing unsolicited acquisition offers
Strategic buyers seeking bolt-on acquisitions
Family-owned businesses planning succession through sale
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 mergers & acquisitions law
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
Our team conducts 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 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 Austin Engagement Assessment
Alex Lubyansky handles every mergers & acquisitions 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?"
Hourly, flat fee, or hybrid. Ask what factors increase legal costs so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Austin clients
Does Texas law favor buyers or sellers in M&A transactions?
Texas law is generally considered acquisition-friendly. It enforces reasonable non-compete provisions (subject to time, geography, and scope limitations), recognizes earn-out structures, and gives parties broad freedom to contract around default rules. Texas does not have state income tax, which benefits sellers on capital gains. That said, specific provisions matter more than the jurisdiction. A poorly drafted Texas purchase agreement exposes you more than a well-drafted one under any state's law.
How do Austin tech deals differ from traditional middle-market M&A?
Austin technology deals frequently involve venture-backed sellers with preferred stock capitalization tables, founder employment tied to earn-outs, significant stock option populations that need to be handled at close, and representation and warranty insurance in lieu of traditional indemnification escrows. Traditional middle-market deals tend to be founder-owned, C-corp or S-corp structured, and rely on longer indemnification periods with escrow holdbacks.
What is the typical timeline for an Austin M&A transaction?
From signed LOI to closing, most Austin-area transactions run 60 to 120 days depending on size, diligence complexity, and regulatory approvals. Tech acquisitions close faster when there are no antitrust filings. Deals with HSR filing requirements or healthcare regulatory approvals run longer. The first 30 days post-LOI are typically the highest-leverage period for buyers, which is why getting the LOI right matters so much.
What does an M&A attorney do?
An M&A attorney advises clients on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including transaction structuring, due diligence, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, 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?
The timeline varies significantly based on transaction complexity, but typical M&A deals take 3-9 months from initial discussion to closing. Factors affecting timeline include due diligence scope, financing arrangements, regulatory approvals, and negotiation complexity.
Should I structure my acquisition as a stock purchase or asset purchase?
The choice depends on tax considerations, liability concerns, and transaction goals. Stock purchases are simpler but transfer all liabilities, while asset purchases allow selective acquisition of assets and liabilities but may trigger tax consequences. We analyze your specific situation to recommend the optimal 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. Thorough due diligence is essential for successful acquisitions.
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 financial advisors to ensure fair pricing.
How do Texas non-compete laws affect mergers & acquisitions law transactions?
Enforceable only if ancillary to or part of an otherwise enforceable agreement under the Texas Business & Commerce Code Section 15.50-15.52 (Covenants Not to Compete Act). The covenant must contain limitations as to time, geography, and scope that are reasonable and do not impose a greater restraint than necessary. Texas courts must reform (not void) overbroad covenants to make them enforceable. The "ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement" requirement typically means the non-compete must be connected to consideration such as stock options, proprietary information access, or a sale of business.
What are the Texas tax considerations for a business acquisition or sale?
Texas has no corporate income tax and no personal income tax. The state imposes a Franchise (Margin) Tax on entities with total revenue exceeding $2.47 million (2024 threshold), at rates of 0.375% (retail/wholesale) or 0.75% (other). As a community property state, spousal consent is required for transfers of community property business assets. The no-income-tax environment significantly affects deal structuring.
Does Texas have a bulk sales law that affects business acquisitions?
Texas has repealed UCC Article 6 (Bulk Sales). However, Texas Tax Code Section 111.020 permits the Comptroller to impose successor liability on asset purchasers for the seller's unpaid franchise (margin) tax and sales tax. Buyers must request a tax clearance certificate before closing.
What can I expect during an initial consultation in Austin?
During your confidential initial consultation in Austin, we'll discuss your mergers & acquisitions law needs, review your current situation, assess potential challenges specific to Texas, 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 Austin?
Yes, we represent clients nationwide while maintaining a strong presence in Austin. Our managing partner handles mergers & acquisitions 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 Austin M&A Market
Austin has evolved from a mid-tier tech market into one of the nation's hottest M&A environments, fueled by the Tesla, Oracle, and Samsung presences and a thriving startup ecosystem. The city leads in SaaS, semiconductor, and clean energy acquisitions. Dell Technologies' headquarter presence creates a massive supplier and partner ecosystem of acquisition targets.
Top M&A Sectors in Austin
SaaS & Software
Semiconductors
Clean Energy
Healthcare Technology
Consumer Products
Deal Environment
Austin's rapid growth has created intense competition for quality targets, with valuations rising faster than in other Texas metros. Many founders are younger and less experienced with exits, creating opportunities for buyers who can educate on deal process.
Why Acquire in Austin
Austin's population has grown over 30% in a decade, and its concentration of engineering talent (UT Austin produces 10,000+ STEM graduates annually) makes it easier to scale acquired technology businesses.
Texas Legal Considerations
Texas's franchise (margin) tax applies to businesses with revenue exceeding $2.47 million and can create unexpected tax liability during ownership transitions - proper entity structuring during the acquisition is essential.
Austin M&A Market Insight
Austin's deal flow reflects three distinct patterns. First, venture-backed technology exits to strategic acquirers and PE platforms, often with earn-outs and continued founder employment. Second, mid-market buyouts in professional services (law, accounting, engineering, medical) as aging owners hit retirement age in a region with strong population growth. Third, industrial acquisitions in semiconductor supply, advanced manufacturing, and construction services driven by the Samsung Taylor expansion and Tesla gigafactory. Texas has no state income tax, which meaningfully affects how sellers structure proceeds. The 2024 Texas Business Court in the 3rd Court of Appeals District now hears complex commercial disputes above $10M, which has implications for dispute resolution clauses in Austin-area purchase agreements.
Common Deal Scenarios in Austin
1
Venture-Backed SaaS Company Exit
Austin's tech corridor produces regular exits in vertical SaaS, cybersecurity, and developer tools. These transactions typically involve preferred stock liquidation preferences, accelerated vesting of unvested options, tax-advantaged structures for QSBS-eligible shareholders, and purchase price allocation between cash at close and earn-out tied to ARR growth. Representation and warranty insurance is common in deals above $15M.
2
Professional Services Rollup Acquisition
PE-backed platforms routinely acquire Austin-area accounting firms, engineering consultancies, and medical practices as part of regional rollup strategies. These deals involve partner retention structures, earn-outs tied to client retention, non-competes enforced under Texas law (which permits reasonable restrictions), and careful treatment of profit distributions for selling partners.
3
Industrial or Supply Chain Acquisition
Businesses serving the Austin industrial corridor (semiconductors, EV supply, advanced materials) are frequent acquisition targets. These deals require customer contract review for assignment and change-of-control provisions, equipment valuation, environmental Phase I assessments, and sometimes real property considerations in Travis, Williamson, or Hays counties.
Why Austin for M&A
Austin combines strong demographic growth, a diversified economy that has outgrown its tech-only reputation, and Texas's business-favorable legal framework. For buyers, that means deeper deal flow across sectors. For sellers, it means more qualified buyer universe and favorable tax treatment. The constant across all Austin deals is that speed matters. Capital is competitive and deals that stall often die.
Texas Legal Considerations for Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Non-Compete Laws
Enforceable only if ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement. Mandatory reformation.
Filing Requirements
Entity mergers and conversions must be filed with the Texas Secretary of State. Franchise tax (margin tax) compliance is required. The Comptroller's office handles tax clearance certificates for asset purchases. Public Information Reports are required annually.
Key Texas Considerations
Texas has no corporate or personal income tax, making it one of the most favorable jurisdictions for structuring acquisitions, though the Franchise (Margin) Tax still applies as a gross-receipts-based tax
As a community property state, spousal consent is required for the sale of community property business interests, adding a required step in deal documentation
Texas's unique requirement that non-competes be "ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement" means buyers must carefully evaluate the enforceability of each non-compete in a target company's portfolio based on the underlying consideration
Texas Bar Authority
State Bar of Texas (mandatory unified bar). Unified/integrated bar. Membership required to practice law in Texas.
Federal districts: N.D. Tex., S.D. Tex., E.D. Tex., W.D. Tex.
Business court: Texas Business Court (established 2024) Established by HB 19 signed in 2023; became operational September 1, 2024. Eleven divisions statewide, five divisions initially open. Concurrent jurisdiction with district courts in matters over $5 million including corporate governance, shareholder disputes, fiduciary claims, and state or federal securities law. The Fifteenth Court of Appeals serves as the dedicated appellate court, making Texas the first state with a dedicated business court appellate track.
Texas M&A Market Context
Texas is the second-largest U.S. M&A market, with Houston (energy), Dallas-Fort Worth (technology, financial services), and San Antonio as major deal-flow centers across all industry verticals.
Recent Texas Legislative Changes (2024-2025)
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Watchpoints
Common Austin Mergers & Acquisitions Law Pitfalls
These are the items we see derail mergers & acquisitions law transactions in the Austin market. Each one is rooted in current statutory law, recent legislative changes, or recurring patterns from the deals Alex has handled.
1
Recent Texas statutory change buyers and sellers miss
State statute
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2
Texas non-compete enforcement and earn-out exposure
State legal framework
Enforceable only if ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement. Mandatory reformation.
"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."
3
Texas regulatory framework attorneys flag at LOI
State statute
Securities regulated by Texas State Securities Board (ssb.texas.gov). Texas follows the Texas Securities Act (Tex. Gov't Code Title 12); Blue Sky notice filings required for Reg D. Texas enforces non-competes only if part of an otherwise enforceable agreement and supported by adequate consideration (Tex. Bus. Com. Code sec. 15.50).
Guides and Resources
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
Attorney perspective on ma attorney matters in Austin
"I watched a $4M acquisition die last year. Not because the price was wrong. It died from fatigue. Six months of back-and-forth. Legal bills that kept climbing. The buyer finally calculated the sunk cost and walked."
Alex Lubyansky, Senior Counsel
On deal fatigue as the silent killer (LinkedIn, Deal Fatigue)
15+ years of M&A and securities transaction experience·Senior counsel on every engagement·Admitted in Michigan, practicing nationwide
