Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams - Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and Acquisitions Assistance

Representing sellers of privately-held, middle-market businesses

At Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), we recognize that the sale of a business is an emotional, time consuming, and technically complex transaction. Our in-depth experience relieves business owners of much of the burdens and pressures associated with a sale, while maximizing shareholder value and bringing a seasoned, objective perspective to the process.

Maximizing owner benefits through management of sales process

At ORBA, we act as more than simply intermediaries. We manage the total sales process - from clarifying the owners’ goals through closing the transaction. At ORBA, we can provide comprehensive management of the entire process or handle specific areas to create the largest number of alternatives for the seller, resulting in a transaction that achieves the maximum benefit for the owners.

If you would like to speak with the head of our Mergers and Acquisitions team, contact Frank Washelesky 312/670-7444.

Related Services

Management Buy-Out (MBO)
We assist management teams in the acquisition of their company.

Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP)
Working with employee groups and owners, we help them determine the viability, implementation, and financing of ESOPs as a business sales strategy.

Independent Business Valuation Services
Comprehensive business valuations include a thorough analysis of economic, industry, and operating environments; market dynamics; historic financial performance; company forecasts; and comparable transactions.

Business Succession Planning
Our professionals will assist you in developing a long-term plan which meets the goals of everyone involved while reducing your overall tax burden. This might include the drafting of a buy-sell agreement, the establishment of a planned giving program or the establishment of deferred compensation programs.

Recent Transactions

Acquisition of $200 million division from a publicly traded company.
$10 million acquisition of Telecommunications Company from estate.
Assisted Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette in potential sale of $100 million trading company including structure and negotiation.
Sale of $25 million company to three upper level management employees. This transaction was completed after entertaining offers from public companies and viewing the feasibility of an ESOP. We were involved in structuring the transaction, allocating proceeds among family members and helping the purchaser obtain bank financing.
Sale of $18 million technology division of client’s business.
Sale of an 80% interest in a software development and publishing company to a large privately-held publishing house. We prepared a strategic plan, identified potential acquirers and negotiated with several candidates, including two public companies before finalizing a deal with the eventual purchaser.
Preparation of a business plan and control of ongoing negotiations for the sale/merger of a transportation software and third party logistics company.
Preparation of a business plan, development of a list of potential strategic buyers, and marketing of the sale of a furniture manufacturing and distribution company.
Purchase of a third-party administrator of insurance claims. This transaction included negotiation of the deal, tax structuring and due diligence.