Bakke Norman has highlighted the cumulative experience of its mergers and acquisitions group, which has facilitated the buying and selling of businesses totaling more than $150 million in transaction value. This milestone reflects the firm's longstanding role in advising clients on complex business transactions in Northwest Wisconsin. The announcement draws attention to lessons learned from handling a diverse range of deals, including sales of family-owned enterprises and acquisitions by larger entities.
The firm's business transactions practice encompasses entity formation, contract drafting, due diligence, financing arrangements, and closing processes. Attorneys guide clients through the steps required to structure deals that align with their strategic goals while addressing potential risks. Common transaction types include asset purchases, stock sales, mergers, and reorganizations. In many cases, these deals involve negotiations over purchase price adjustments, representations and warranties, indemnification provisions, and non-compete agreements.
Bakke Norman attorneys emphasize the importance of thorough preparation in business sales. Sellers often need to organize financial records, resolve outstanding liabilities, and obtain necessary consents from lenders or partners. Buyers typically conduct comprehensive due diligence to evaluate assets, contracts, intellectual property, and potential litigation exposure. The process frequently requires coordination with accountants, business valuation experts, and other professionals to ensure accurate valuations and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Recent transactions handled by the firm have involved various industries prevalent in the region, such as manufacturing, agriculture-related businesses, retail, and professional services. The experience has provided insights into common challenges, including valuation disputes, transition planning for key employees, and post-closing adjustments based on working capital targets. Attorneys also assist with financing aspects, working alongside community lenders and financial institutions to secure loans or other funding mechanisms.
The firm's broader business practice includes related areas such as business and contract litigation, debtor-creditor relations, employment law, banking and financial institutions law, municipal law, and tax law. These complementary services allow Bakke Norman to address multifaceted issues that arise in business transactions, from employment agreements during ownership changes to tax implications of deal structures.
“Over the years, our team has gained valuable perspective from managing transactions totaling more than $150 million,” said Bryan Tillman, a business attorney at Bakke Norman. “This experience enables more effective counsel to clients considering the sale or acquisition of a business, particularly in navigating the detailed preparation and negotiation phases.”
Tillman contributes expertise in business and contract litigation, which often intersects with transaction work when disputes emerge post-closing or during negotiations. The firm's approach prioritizes clear communication and strategic planning to minimize disruptions for business owners.
This milestone underscores Bakke Norman's role as a resource for business clients seeking a business attorney in Eau Claire, WI. The firm's attorneys regularly assist with ongoing operational matters, including contract reviews, partnership agreements, and compliance with state and federal regulations affecting businesses.
“Clients benefit from our accumulated knowledge across numerous deals, which helps anticipate issues before they become problems,” added Tillman. “Whether structuring a transaction or resolving related disputes, the focus remains on achieving practical outcomes that support long-term business objectives.”
Bakke Norman was founded in 1985 by Gary Bakke, George Norman, and Tom Schumacher. The firm began in a small office in the historic New Richmond Heritage Center and has since expanded to locations in New Richmond, Baldwin, Menomonie, and Eau Claire. It provides comprehensive legal services to individuals, businesses, and municipalities across Northwest Wisconsin. The firm has earned recognition as one of the Best Law Firms in America by U.S. News and maintains a commitment to high professional standards in its practice areas.
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For more information about Bakke Norman, contact the company here:
Bakke Norman
Tom Schumacher
715-246-3800
info@bakkenorman.com
1200 Heritage Dr, New Richmond, WI 54017
