By Alex Lubyansky Managing Partner Last updated
Acquisition Stars advises buyers and sellers on sba acquisition attorney matters across California.
Serving 1 market across California.
Request Engagement AssessmentAcquisition Stars advises buyers and sellers on sba acquisition attorney matters across California. 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
Acquisition Stars represents clients in each of the following markets. Click any city to learn about sba business acquisition law services in that area.
The lender expects a seller covenant that holds up, because the loan is underwritten on the goodwill the covenant protects.
Banned entirely. Limited exception for sale of a business.
Non-compete agreements are void and unenforceable under California Business and Professions Code Section 16600. This ban applies broadly, with narrow exceptions only for the sale of a business (the seller may be restricted from competing with the sold business), dissolution of a partnership, or dissolution of an LLC. Even with the sale-of-business exception, restrictions must be reasonable.
Successor liability for unpaid state taxes falls on the borrower, so the lender requires clearance before the loan funds.
California imposes an 8.84% corporate franchise tax on C-corporations and a 1.5% franchise tax on S-corporations. The state does not conform to federal qualified small business stock exclusions. Under California community property rules, the spouse who operates a business that is substantially all community personal property has primary management and control and must give the other spouse prior written notice of a sale of all or substantially all of the business personal property, and both spouses must join to sell or encumber community real property, under Cal. Fam. Code 1100. California sources income based on market-based sourcing rules, which can affect multi-state deal structures.
Spousal guarantees in community property states and buyer entity filings are lender closing conditions with their own lead time.
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.
Lender closing conditions include creditor notice or tax clearance where the state keeps them, and that timing sets the funding date.
California retains a modified Bulk Sales Act under California Commercial Code Sections 6101-6111, applicable primarily to businesses whose principal activity is the sale of inventory. Buyers must comply with notice requirements to the seller's creditors at least 12 business days before the bulk transfer. Failure to comply allows creditors to void the transfer.
SBA regulations generally require any owner holding at least 20 percent of the business to personally guarantee the loan, under 13 CFR 120.160. The lender can also require other individuals or entities to guarantee even below that threshold if it wants more support for the credit. A buyer bringing in minority partners should know upfront who the lender will require to sign.
Sources: 13 CFR 120.160(a)
SBA treats equity as one underwriting factor, so the minimum comes from its Standard Operating Procedures: SOP 50 10 8 (effective June 1, 2025) and SOP 50 10 8.1 (effective October 1, 2026). Version 8 requires at least 10 percent of total project costs for a complete change of ownership to a new owner, excluding lines of credit and 504 loans; seller debt counts only on full standby for the loan's life and no more than half of the required injection. Version 8.1, Appendix 15, sets 10 percent for an Initial Acquisition, not reducible; also 10 percent for Business Expansions and Owner Buyouts, which the lender may reduce or eliminate if the borrower meets liquidity and net-worth tests. Under 8.1, standby debt, seller debt and non-controlling minority equity together supply no more than half, and seller debt must be subordinated and on full standby to count. Confirm the version and category with the lender first.
Sources: 13 CFR 120.150, SOP 50 10 8, effective June 1, 2025, Section B, Ch. 1, Equity requirements, SOP 50 10 8, effective June 1, 2025, Section B, Ch. 1, Equity requirements, SOP 50 10 8.1 with Technical Policy Updates, effective October 1, 2026, Appendix 15, Underwriting, Equity Requirements and Limited Equity Injection Sources
Acquisition Stars handles M&A transactions for California clients and works with securities counsel on securities matters. Alex Lubyansky leads every M&A engagement.
Alex Lubyansky leads every sba business acquisition 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