We advise on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions and are experienced with buy and sell side transactions ranging in value from several million to hundreds of millions. With offices from New York to Florida, as well as in Colorado, our practice regularly reaches throughout the U.S. and across international borders.
On the buy side, we design and conduct strategic diligence before clients overcommit to a transaction. On the sell side, we work closely with clients in conducting critical self-diligence before going to market. Buy side or sell side, we help clients protect themselves against risks through the entire life cycle of the M&A process.
Our M&A teams regularly draw on the experience of colleagues in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Tax
- Technology and Intellectual Property
- Labor and Employment and Employee Benefits
- Restructuring, Bankruptcy and Litigation
- Environmental and Real Estate
- Securities
- Government Contracts
- Antitrust
M&A-Related Capabilities
Antitrust
Antitrust support in deals includes counseling on merger control risk, conducting diligence on competitively sensitive practices and preparing HSR filings and strategies where required. Our M&A practice regularly draws on antitrust colleagues to address clearance and related issues. We have experience with over 100 Hart-Scott-Rodino clearances and associated antitrust matters. We also counsel on information exchanges, pricing and discount practices, joint ventures and other conduct that can arise in pre- and post-closing integration planning.
Real Estate
Our real estate team handles the full life cycle of property issues that arise in corporate and M&A transactions, including acquisition and disposition work, complex purchase and sale agreements, commercial leasing and real estate finance. This includes negotiating ground leases, retail/office/industrial leases, reciprocal easement agreements, air rights agreements and related development documents that often sit alongside corporate deals and joint ventures. We represent owners, developers and corporate tenants on transactions nationwide and are experienced with distressed real estate, workouts and litigation that can intersect with corporate restructurings.
Environmental
Our environmental practice embeds into deals to run targeted M&A due diligence, quantify environmental risk (cost, timing, permitting) and structure solutions such as indemnities, covenants, insurance and risk transfer—often coordinating the transfer, assignment or modification of operating permits as part of the closing process. We are experienced with brownfields redevelopment, voluntary cleanup programs, environmental covenants and institutional controls, and working with state and federal regulators to keep transactions compliant and on schedule. We also advise on compliance and permitting for water, air, wetlands and hazardous waste programs—issues that frequently drive transaction timelines and integration planning. As needed, we can support post-closing compliance, remediation or litigation under major federal and state environmental regimes.
Labor & Employment (including Employee Benefits)
Our labor and employment lawyers support corporate and M&A deals with due diligence, executive and key employee contracts, restrictive covenants and integration of workforce policies and handbooks. We advise on reductions in force, wage and hour compliance, union and NLRB matters, discrimination claims and agency investigations that can affect deal risk allocation and post-closing integration. Our employee benefits team addresses ERISA, qualified and nonqualified plan issues, plan corrections, COBRA and fiduciary training, and routinely advises buyers and sellers on employee benefit plan implications in mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations. Post-closing, we assist with policy harmonization, training and ongoing compliance to reduce litigation exposure.
Select M&A Experience
- $450M stock acquisition of a national office supply distribution wholesaler.
- $180M sale of federal government contractor in intelligence/defense space.
- $127M sale of privately held developer of digital photography and optical technologies.
- $300M acquisition of publicly traded bank holding company.
- $250M sale of government contractor engaged in IT solutions for Medicare/Medicaid systems.
- $300M purchase of a portfolio company in food sector.
- $100M sale of community nonprofit hospital.
- $70M purchase by Fortune 200 energy company of demand-response energy provider.
- $23M asset sale of privately held emission monitoring software company.
- $28M sale of enterprise cloud computing and data infrastructure technology company.
- $100M purchase of portfolio company in healthcare sector.
- $50M acquisition of an artificial intelligence/SaaS company by Fortune 50 company.
- $150M purchase of a portfolio company in construction sector.
- $100M purchase of portfolio company in technology sector.
- $65M purchase of portfolio company in food services sector.
- $130M asset acquisition of medical IT company.
- $100M sale of private photonics company.
- $20M purchase of SaaS company by multi-national conglomerate.
- $95M purchase of automated technologies company in life sciences and food & beverage sectors.
- $55M asset sale of leading flooring company product distributor.
- $50M auction sale of subsidiary of publishing technology services company.
- $100M purchase of healthcare and senior services franchises.
- $30M acquisition of affiliated food seasonings and flavorings companies.
- $50M sale of specialty division of chemicals company.
- $15M auction sale to strategic buyer by software and services company and five international subsidiaries.
- $15M add-on acquisition by travel services company.
- $200M sale of portfolio investment by independent sponsor.
- Multiple sales, ranging from $50M to $130M, by government contractors to global government contracting companies.
AI in the Deal Room: Why Intellectual Property Diligence Matters More in Acquisitions of AI-Enabled Products
AI in the Deal Room: Why Intellectual Property Diligence Matters More in Acquisitions of AI-Enabled Products
Client Alert: What’s Market in Private M&A?
Client Alert: What’s Market in Private M&A?
Client Alert: Fifth Circuit Ruling Results in Return of Old HSR Act Reporting Form
Client Alert: Fifth Circuit Ruling Results in Return of Old HSR Act Reporting Form
Amid the FTC’s Normal Annual HSR Act Updating, Federal Court Throws Out Biden Administration’s Enhanced HSR Reporting Reforms
- Federal court vacates Biden-era HSR Act reforms: A judge struck down the October 2024 Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act reporting overhaul, calling it “arbitrary and capricious,” but stayed the ruling through February 19, 2026 to allow an appeal.
- 2026 HSR filing and other dollar thresholds increase: The minimum “size-of-transaction” threshold rises to $133.9 million effective February 17, 2026, potentially reducing filing obligations for some deals.
- Filing fees adjusted upward: New multi-tiered HSR fees take effect February 17, 2026, with transactions under $189.6 million subject to a $35,000 filing fee and filing fees for mega-deals ($5.869 billion+) reaching $2.46 million.
- Prohibited interlocking directorate thresholds also rise: Updated Clayton Act Section 8 thresholds affect service as an officer or director of competing companies amid heightened enforcement.
- Advance planning & compliance strategy for deal makers remains critical: Despite regulatory uncertainty and shifting enforcement priorities at the FTC and DOJ, careful advance antitrust planning remains essential for parties to mergers, acquisitions and other HSR reportable events.
Amid the FTC’s Normal Annual HSR Act Updating, Federal Court Throws Out Biden Administration’s Enhanced HSR Reporting Reforms
- Federal court vacates Biden-era HSR Act reforms: A judge struck down the October 2024 Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act reporting overhaul, calling it “arbitrary and capricious,” but stayed the ruling through February 19, 2026 to allow an appeal.
- 2026 HSR filing and other dollar thresholds increase: The minimum “size-of-transaction” threshold rises to $133.9 million effective February 17, 2026, potentially reducing filing obligations for some deals.
- Filing fees adjusted upward: New multi-tiered HSR fees take effect February 17, 2026, with transactions under $189.6 million subject to a $35,000 filing fee and filing fees for mega-deals ($5.869 billion+) reaching $2.46 million.
- Prohibited interlocking directorate thresholds also rise: Updated Clayton Act Section 8 thresholds affect service as an officer or director of competing companies amid heightened enforcement.
- Advance planning & compliance strategy for deal makers remains critical: Despite regulatory uncertainty and shifting enforcement priorities at the FTC and DOJ, careful advance antitrust planning remains essential for parties to mergers, acquisitions and other HSR reportable events.
Private Company M&A – Pre-Go-To-Market Seller Self-Diligence & Corporate Clean-Up
Private Company M&A – Pre-Go-To-Market Seller Self-Diligence & Corporate Clean-Up
Private Company M&A - Reverse Diligence: Questions Sellers Should Ask of Bidders
Private Company M&A - Reverse Diligence: Questions Sellers Should Ask of Bidders
Client Alert: New SEC Updates Simplify Accredited Investor Verification for Rule 506(c) Offerings
Client Alert: New SEC Updates Simplify Accredited Investor Verification for Rule 506(c) Offerings
Private Company M&A - Earn-Outs: Gravy on Top?
Private Company M&A - Earn-Outs: Gravy on Top?
Client Alert: Winter 2025 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: Winter 2025 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: SBA Final Rule Expected to Spur Increased Small Government Contractor M&A Activity In 2025
Client Alert: SBA Final Rule Expected to Spur Increased Small Government Contractor M&A Activity In 2025
Private Company M&A – Rep & Warranty Insurance: A “Zero-Liability” Promised Land for Sellers?
Private Company M&A – Rep & Warranty Insurance: A “Zero-Liability” Promised Land for Sellers?
Client Alert: FTC Finalizes Long-Anticipated Overhaul Of HSR Act Merger Rules And Filings
Client Alert: FTC Finalizes Long-Anticipated Overhaul Of HSR Act Merger Rules And Filings
Indemnity Clauses, Claims & Controversies
Indemnity Clauses, Claims & Controversies
Net Working Capital & Purchase Price Adjustments In M&A Deals
Net Working Capital & Purchase Price Adjustments In M&A Deals
To Roll or Not to Roll: Equity Roll Issues in Private Company M&A Deals
To Roll or Not to Roll: Equity Roll Issues in Private Company M&A Deals
Client Alert: 2024 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: 2024 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: Fall 2023 Antitrust M&A Developments
Client Alert: Fall 2023 Antitrust M&A Developments
A Primer on IP Representations and Warranties in Asset Purchase and M&A Deals
A Primer on IP Representations and Warranties in Asset Purchase and M&A Deals
Client Alert: 2023 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: 2023 Antitrust M&A Law Developments
Client Alert: Maryland’s Digital Products Tax Will Impact Everyone
Client Alert: Maryland’s Digital Products Tax Will Impact Everyone
Webinar: Prepare Well to Exit Well: A Primer for Business Owners
Webinar: Prepare Well to Exit Well: A Primer for Business Owners
Client Alert: New 2018 HSR Act Thresholds Take Effect
Effective February 28, 2018, the minimum notification threshold under the HSR Act has increased from $80.8 million to $84.8 million. Thus, an acquisition will potentially trigger an HSR Act filing only if, as a result of the acquisition, the acquirer will hold assets, voting securities or non-corporate interests of the acquired person valued in excess of $84.8 million.
Client Alert: New 2018 HSR Act Thresholds Take Effect
Effective February 28, 2018, the minimum notification threshold under the HSR Act has increased from $80.8 million to $84.8 million. Thus, an acquisition will potentially trigger an HSR Act filing only if, as a result of the acquisition, the acquirer will hold assets, voting securities or non-corporate interests of the acquired person valued in excess of $84.8 million.
2013 M&A: Flexibility is the Key Driver - WTP speaker
The McLean Group; Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, and Bernstein Global Wealth Management invite you to a complimentary panel addressing key issues that will drive the deal market over the next 12 months, including:
2013 M&A: Flexibility is the Key Driver - WTP speaker
The McLean Group; Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, and Bernstein Global Wealth Management invite you to a complimentary panel addressing key issues that will drive the deal market over the next 12 months, including:
M&A Trends: Tech & Government Contracting - WTP hosting
M&A Trends: Tech & Government Contracting - WTP hosting
87 Whiteford Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2027
Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 16 Practices
Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 16 Practices
Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally
Best Law Firms Recognizes Over 45 Whiteford Practices, Including 23 Nationally
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 20 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 20 Practices
83 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2026
83 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2026
Daily Record Names Martin Fletcher to Power 100 List
Daily Record Names Martin Fletcher to Power 100 List
Leading Corporate Lawyer Clare Lewis Joins Whiteford in Richmond
Leading Corporate Lawyer Clare Lewis Joins Whiteford in Richmond
International Corporate Partner Danila Duo Joins Whiteford in New York
International Corporate Partner Danila Duo Joins Whiteford in New York
Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 15 Practices
Chambers Recognizes Whiteford in a Record 15 Practices
Whiteford Welcomes Prominent Kentucky Litigator Robert Maclin
Whiteford Welcomes Prominent Kentucky Litigator Robert Maclin
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 19 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in Virginia in 19 Practices
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally
Whiteford Ranked in Top Tier in 43 Practices, 22 Nationally
77 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2025
77 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2025
Whiteford Advises on Major Golf Course Transaction
Whiteford Advises on Major Golf Course Transaction
Record 33 Whiteford Attorneys Recognized by Chambers
Record 33 Whiteford Attorneys Recognized by Chambers
Whiteford Represents Virginia Insurance Group in Merger with Richmond Insurance Services
Whiteford Represents Virginia Insurance Group in Merger with Richmond Insurance Services
Best Law Firms Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 20 Whiteford Practices in Virginia
Best Law Firms Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 20 Whiteford Practices in Virginia
A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”
A Record 87 Whiteford Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2024, Ten Selected as “Ones to Watch”
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas
Whiteford Represents Groundswell Consulting Group on Sale of the Company
Whiteford Represents Groundswell Consulting Group on Sale of the Company
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas
Chambers Honors Whiteford in 14 Practice Areas
Whiteford Represents Auto Paint Supply Co., Inc. on the Recent Sale of its Assets to Nyquist, Inc.
Whiteford Represents Auto Paint Supply Co., Inc. on the Recent Sale of its Assets to Nyquist, Inc.
Whiteford Represents Owners of Ivy Ventures, LLC on Sale of the Company
Whiteford Represents Owners of Ivy Ventures, LLC on Sale of the Company
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 44 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 22 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
Whiteford Represents the Investor Group in Its Acquisition of S.P. Richards’ Core U.S. Operations from Genuine Parts Company
Whiteford Represents the Investor Group in Its Acquisition of S.P. Richards’ Core U.S. Operations from Genuine Parts Company
Whiteford Represents the Royal Chevrolet Company in the Sale of its Dealership
Whiteford Represents the Royal Chevrolet Company in the Sale of its Dealership
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 42 Whiteford Practices, Including a Record 20 Nationally and 10 Newly Ranked in Richmond
Whiteford Represents Accumark In the Sale of its Subsurface Engineering Companies To Hoffman Southwest
Whiteford Represents Accumark In the Sale of its Subsurface Engineering Companies To Hoffman Southwest
Whiteford Represents Virginia CU Realty In Acquisition of Joyner Fine Properties
Whiteford Represents Virginia CU Realty In Acquisition of Joyner Fine Properties
Whiteford Recognized by IFLR1000
Whiteford Recognized by IFLR1000
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally
U.S. News Awards Top-Tier Rankings to 46 Whiteford Practices, Including 18 Nationally
Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate
Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018. Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate. At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford Ranks National Tier 1 in Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate
Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018. Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate. At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 29 Lawyers Honored by Chambers and Partners
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2017 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes a record 29 attorneys in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston and 29 Lawyers Honored by Chambers and Partners
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2017 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes a record 29 attorneys in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Forty-one Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky for 2017
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 41 of its attorneys are listed among the 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky joining the sixteen who were listed earlier this year in Delaware, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Forty-one Whiteford Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky for 2017
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 41 of its attorneys are listed among the 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky joining the sixteen who were listed earlier this year in Delaware, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report
The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.
Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Recognized as National Tier 1 by U.S. News and World Report
The 2017 edition of U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP exemplary ratings in its seventh annual rankings of law firms.
Twenty of the firm’s practices were ranked at the national level, as well as thirty-seven in Maryland, ten in Washington, D.C., and two in Roanoke, VA.
59 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2016, Eight Named as “Lawyers of the Year”
Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 (copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.
59 Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2016, Eight Named as “Lawyers of the Year”
Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 (copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Once Again Ranked in More Practices than Any Other Firm in Maryland
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has once again received exemplary ratings in the fifth annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Once Again Ranked in More Practices than Any Other Firm in Maryland
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has once again received exemplary ratings in the fifth annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Highest Ranked Maryland Firm
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has received exemplary ratings in the second annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms. In Maryland, WTP was rated highly in 34 practice areas, more than any other firm in the state.
U.S. News & World Report: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Highest Ranked Maryland Firm
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has received exemplary ratings in the second annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms. In Maryland, WTP was rated highly in 34 practice areas, more than any other firm in the state.