Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook

One of the most important decisions a business can make for its long term future is whether it should merge, acquire or be acquired by another business. Factors that need to be balanced include: the soundness of the other organization, whether the cultures of the two organizations can be successfully combined, the future of the industry, other alternative opportunities, the tax impact of the decision, the liabilities of each organization, and what form of transaction (merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets) will work best.

The Kitch firm helps its client make a thoughtful and knowing decision regarding how to proceed with these kinds of transactions. This includes, as appropriate, conducting due diligence in conjunction with other business professionals (e.g., accountants) and walking through the pros and cons of each key element of the transaction with the client. Unlike some law firms, the Kitch firm always endeavors to work hand in glove with existing business advisors (internal staff, CPAs, brokers) in a team approach to maximize the efficiency of this process and to avoid costly and inefficient duplication of efforts. Once the decision is made, we work swiftly to conclude it. Our commitment is always to ensure that the lawyers (the firm) are not the rate-determining step in the transaction.

Specific merger and acquisition services include:

• Due diligence
• Business contract review
• Labor contract and human resources review
• Business practices review
• Litigation and claims review
• Asset ownership review (including review of deeds, bills of sale, mortgages, and commercial lien filings).

Consultation:

• Analysis of due diligence findings
• Needs and goals of the client
• Intent and expectations of the other party to the transaction
• Array of possible methodologies for the transaction
• The preferred ultimate structure
• The tax impact of how the transaction is structured and the business will be ultimately run.

Document Preparation:

• Merger Agreements
• Articles of Consolidation or Merger
• New Bylaws and Corporate Documents
• Asset Acquisition Agreements
• Due Diligence Reports
• Shareholder Agreements (Buy-Sell).

The Kitch firm was co-founded in Detroit in 1969 by Richard A. Kitch and Richard F. Suhrheinrich, now a Senior Federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge.

Historically, the Firm has attracted a diverse pool of attorneys and staff, seeking only the most talented individuals to serve our clients.

The Kitch firm was recognized in 2006 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as the Detroit area law firm with the highest percentage of women attorneys (41%) and the highest percentage of female partners (27%).

The Kitch firm recognizes and celebrates the concept of diversity and  equal opportunity in the workplace.