<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Legal Dealmakers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Boutique law firm for businesses in VT & beyond, specializing in M&A, corporate law, and outside general counsel services.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:58:03 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.searchfundlaw.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Buying Your Way In: How the E2 Visa Turns Business Acquisition Into Immigration Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[For foreign nationals from treaty countries, the E2 visa turns business acquisition into a path to U.S. work authorization. But coordinating an M&#38;A deal with an immigration petition introduces complications most buyers don't anticipate. From the "substantial investment" test to active management requirements and the question of what happens when you want a green card, here's what searchers and sellers need to know before structuring a deal.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/buying-your-way-in-how-the-e2-visa-turns-business-acquisition-into-immigration-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dd9c561de78e3b21597bc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:19:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_eb0074e442bd4ab3bc92a2b674a38162~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 338(g) Tax Election: What Searchers Need to Know About This Powerful Tax Tool]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 338(g) tax election lets buyers treat a stock purchase as an asset purchase for tax purposes, stepping up the basis in the target's assets. The catch? It triggers immediate tax consequences for the seller, making it a negotiation point rather than a unilateral decision. Here's when it makes sense and how it differs from 338(h)(10) and 336(e) elections.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/the-338-g-tax-election-what-searchers-need-to-know-about-this-powerful-tax-tool</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69f8a3ac5caf4ed272ba45db</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 13:55:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_24af1fa05a2a41ffa88f574b43f00c76~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Beyond Reps and Warranties: Why Intellectual Property Due Diligence Can Make or Break an M&#38;A Deal ]]></title><description><![CDATA[In today's service and technology driven economy, a company's intellectual property (IP) is often its most valuable asset. Yet, in the realm of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&#38;A), Intellectual Property Due Diligence (IPDD) is frequently misunderstood or assumed to be covered by other departments. Buyers often make the mistake of relying solely on standard public record searches or the seller's representations and warranties. As highlighted in a recent webinar hosted by Cogency Global , failing to...]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/beyond-reps-and-warranties-why-intellectual-property-due-diligence-can-make-or-break-an-m-a-deal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dcf7cbc31b00fb8513abff</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:18:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_0b87b32bed584f7d8349a5080028b96e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Tia Jones</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Law Firm Ownership Is Different From Other Business Acquisitions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Can a non-lawyer buy a law firm? Not easily. Strict professional rules limit who can own a law practice and how legal fees can be shared. This post explores the challenges non-attorney buyers face in law firm acquisitions and how structures like MSOs can sometimes help navigate those limitations.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/why-law-firm-ownership-is-different-from-other-business-acquisitions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a9d5255688d2ad80d2f566</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:23:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_ebd8d2f07dfb49c4b08f696753d47f02~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is an 83(b) Election?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re receiving equity that vests over time, whether as a founder or acquisition entrepreneur, an 83(b) election could significantly impact your tax bill. By choosing to be taxed at grant rather than at vesting, you may reduce ordinary income exposure and position future appreciation for capital gains treatment. Here’s what founders and buyers need to know before filing.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/what-is-an-83-b-election</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6994901048e1ffd8ef76c21b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:07:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_6c9367128c924120ac1c10c31300aea6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Schedule III Means for Cannabis Businesses]]></title><description><![CDATA[Reclassifying marijuana as a Schedule III substance could impact how cannabis businesses operate and grow. With potential tax relief on the horizon and shifting buyer expectations, cannabis operators should understand how this change affects financials, compliance, and long-term exit planning.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/what-schedule-iii-means-for-cannabis-businesses</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696505b6f5f6771556741724</guid><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:43:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_d15df402b8a547b68d5c683e621f266b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Post-Merger Integration: Ensuring a Smooth Transition]]></title><description><![CDATA[Post-merger integration is where the real success of a deal is determined. From aligning teams and systems to protecting customer relationships, thoughtful integration planning helps buyers maintain momentum after closing and ensures the combined business operates smoothly. Here’s how to create a transition that supports long-term value.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/post-merger-integration-ensuring-a-smooth-transition</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6931ebe48e416ac5ac9ec551</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:24:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_a566eec85e1e4a27be81cef2fa2950de~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling or Financing a Business in the Digital Era? Here’s How the New UCC Rules Affect You]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2022 UCC Amendments modernize commercial law for the digital era. With new rules for digital assets and “controllable electronic records,” buyers, sellers, and lenders need to understand how these changes affect ownership, priority, and financing. If you’re planning a transaction, now is the time to review how digital assets are treated in your deals.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/selling-or-financing-a-business-in-the-digital-era-here-s-how-the-new-ucc-rules-affect-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69173e1b932ba25e46fcef59</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:40:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_709a0596374f48f282757b1bd6baf88d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling to Your Employees: A More Purpose-Driven Exit Strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Selling your business doesn’t have to mean letting go of the people and culture you’ve built. For many owners, selling to employees through an ESOP or similar structure offers a more purpose-driven exit — one that rewards loyalty, preserves jobs, and keeps the business rooted in its community.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/selling-to-your-employees-a-more-purpose-driven-exit-strategy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68fa73bfd3059fbaddd5f432</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:49:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_701aab33d00a4d2d90aaf4074d596c03~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How AI is Changing Due Diligence: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[AI is reshaping due diligence in M&#38;A by speeding up contract review, highlighting risks, and making the process more efficient for buyers and sellers alike. But while AI can uncover patterns and save time, it can’t replace the judgment of an experienced attorney. At Legal Dealmakers, we combine AI-driven insights with years of M&#38;A experience to guide clients through smarter, faster deals.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/how-ai-is-changing-due-diligence-what-buyers-and-sellers-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68cab73b345efb3a883514ef</guid><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:32:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_91ed489e84ae496484d05afb1450f5e1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Technical Due Diligence is Mission Critical in Your Next M&#38;A Deal]]></title><description><![CDATA[Most M&#38;A failures in online business aren’t just about bad financials—they stem from skipped technical due diligence. TDD uncovers hidden risks in code, ad campaigns, traffic, and tech stacks that don’t show up in a P&#38;L. From outdated SaaS architecture to eCommerce ad inefficiencies, these issues can make you overpay—or buy a liability. Done early, TDD informs valuation, deal terms, and post-close success.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/why-technical-due-diligence-is-mission-critical-in-your-next-m-a-deal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">689cbfddbff634728bd94756</guid><pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:53:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_dbccc44eb93b4cb7a2b977fe99e156eb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[QSBS Just Got a Makeover: What the New Law Means for Founders and Investors]]></title><description><![CDATA[New QSBS rules mean earlier exits can now qualify for partial tax exclusions—50% after 3 years, 75% after 4, and still 100% after 5. The gain cap and company asset limits have also increased. While the changes bring flexibility, they also add complexity. Planning is more important than ever.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/qsbs-just-got-a-makeover-what-the-new-law-means-for-founders-and-investors</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68811eb7e601119bd99be98e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:47:49 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_a10f6a956f144c1d86dee6be6ccc21e0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[S Corp vs LLC Tax Filing: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters]]></title><description><![CDATA[This post breaks down the key differences between a traditional LLC and an LLC taxed as an S Corp—especially when it comes to self-employment taxes. Learn how your salary, distributions, and tax forms change with an S Corp election—and whether the potential tax savings are worth the extra admin.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/s-corp-vs-llc-tax-filing-what-s-the-difference-and-why-it-matters</link><guid isPermaLink="false">683f05e613b054eec39c01c0</guid><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 15:14:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_e211441f450f44c78eea1a174a986d10~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unlocking Tax Savings: Personal Goodwill Deductions for C-Corp Owners]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re selling a C-Corp, personal goodwill could mean major tax savings. By structuring part of the sale as a direct purchase of your personal reputation or relationships—not corporate assets—you may avoid double taxation. Learn how this strategy works and when it applies.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/unlocking-tax-savings-personal-goodwill-deductions-for-c-corp-owners</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6814b3b3f547f5de526382d9</guid><pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2025 12:13:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_7e705ea4f01049f7bd1f0097dcc1696a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Even Use an Attorney for a Small Business Deal?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Buying or selling a business? An attorney helps prevent costly mistakes, ensuring a smooth deal and protecting your interests.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/why-even-use-an-attorney-for-a-small-business-deal</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67db17d877cfb90cdb7294cc</guid><pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:23:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_e70377c741914d96a8f476fe93440b6f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Building Confidence as a Business Owner]]></title><description><![CDATA[Overcome imposter syndrome in M&#38;A with confidence. Learn key strategies to navigate deals and make informed business decisions.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/overcoming-imposter-syndrome-building-confidence-as-a-business-owner</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67bc6d71fada8902d7fdb2a8</guid><pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_ad5ffab483d74a018e50ddca29ad51a3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reflecting on Our 2024 Achievements]]></title><description><![CDATA[32 deals closed, $70M in value – 2024 was a year of growth and success for our firm. Here's to even bigger milestones in 2025!]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/reflecting-on-our-2024-achievements</link><guid isPermaLink="false">677d3150ed55a999b23c7fa9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Jan 2025 13:55:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_6c616093d3924604bf8499d4b0c9f70c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Private Equity vs. Strategic Buyers: What’s the Difference?]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, the buyer's profile can significantly impact the structure and outcome of a deal. Sellers...]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/private-equity-vs-strategic-buyers-what-s-the-difference</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67618d76f816e604daaf9d93</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:58:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_e7217187dd1249059d80aa3f3a5a4ceb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Applying Probabilistic Risk Assessment to Legal Due Diligence]]></title><description><![CDATA[Use probabilistic risk assessment in M&#38;A to quantify risks, prioritize key issues, and make smarter, data-driven decisions in due diligence.]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/applying-probabilistic-risk-assessment-to-legal-due-diligence</link><guid isPermaLink="false">672bbe8f77554f64fa6e2d22</guid><pubDate>Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:17:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_a0d8a3a13fc646de8ac4eab115e6471c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[ETA Event in Boston!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Join us for an exciting evening of networking and fun at our Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) event in Boston on November 7th!...]]></description><link>https://www.legaldealmakers.com/post/eta-event-in-boston</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6724eac9b7d308c6d3f0c215</guid><pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:04:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d4f064_12c578a22a294f7e943be96f58bb17c7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Sterrett</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>