From business formation and growth to restructuring and succession, we provide practical, forward-thinking counsel designed to support long-term success.

Our business transaction attorneys assist with a wide range of matters—from forming new entities and managing day-to-day operations to handling complex financing, regulatory, and contractual issues, and negotiating and leading merger and acquisition transactions. We also provide targeted support in real estate and construction matters, including project development, commercial leasing, and construction contract negotiation, helping clients navigate the unique challenges of these industries. We strive to offer practical solutions that support our clients’ goals and help them make informed decisions in an increasingly complex business environment.

Our core services include: 

• Antitrust & Trade Regulation: We assist our clients’ compliance with federal competition laws and state regulatory frameworks to help them navigate the complex intersection of antitrust regulations that can impact business operations and strategic transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights: Our business transactions attorneys represent stakeholders in workouts, restructurings, and insolvency proceedings. We bring deep knowledge of federal bankruptcy procedures and state creditors’ rights laws to help clients protect their interests during financial distress.
• Business Formation & Governance: This helps clients stay compliant, reduce risk, and operate more efficiently as they grow.
• Commercial Contracts: We draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements—such as nondisclosure agreements and manufacturing and supply agreements—to protect business interests and ensure compliance with applicable contract laws. Our team also incorporates provisions tailored to the complexities of operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Corporate Finance & Securities: Our team represents both lenders and borrowers in financing transactions and assists with securities law compliance. We help clients navigate both federal securities regulations and state blue sky laws.
• Data Privacy & Security: We advise on compliance with evolving data protection laws and cybersecurity best practices, including federal privacy requirements and state-specific data breach notification requirements and privacy regulations.
• Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation: We design incentive plans and benefit structures that attract and retain top talent while ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and tax regulations.
• Government & Public Affairs: We help clients navigate the intersection of business and government through strategic advocacy and compliance. We leverage our understanding of federal regulatory agencies and state political landscapes.
• Intellectual Property: Our attorneys manage comprehensive intellectual property portfolios, including trademarks, copyrights, patents, and licensing agreements, guiding clients through protection, enforcement, and strategic use of their IP assets.
• Mergers & Acquisitions: We structure and execute asset and equity transactions, including due diligence, negotiation, closing and post-closing integration. Our team possesses deep knowledge of federal and state corporate law requirements and tax implications for M&A transactions.
• Real Estate & Construction: Our team handles acquisitions, leasing, zoning, development, and construction-related matters. We bring extensive knowledge of real estate laws and construction regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Taxation: We structure transactions to optimize tax outcomes while ensuring compliance with both federal and state tax laws. Our team navigates complex tax requirements and leverages available incentive programs for businesses operating across multiple states. When appropriate, we collaborate closely with Ruder Ware’s trusts and estates attorneys to align business strategies with broader family and personal planning goals.

Representations in Business Transactions:

• Assisted family-owned enterprise with the sale of stock of operating company and associated sale of family-owned real estate holdings.
• Counseled regional bank on multimillion-dollar secured lending transaction and represented financial institution in complex commercial workout and foreclosure.
• Advised a global relocation services provider on establishing operations in China, Singapore, and the Czech Republic, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and OFAC regulations.
• Provided legal support to physicians, medical groups, and healthcare systems on contract negotiations, healthcare operations, and system development.
• Guided a privately held broadcasting company through the acquisition of radio station assets across North Dakota and Minnesota.
• Represented the nation’s leading silica sand producer in the development of the largest frac sand processing facility in the U.S., including negotiation of royalty leases and land acquisitions.
• Represented a publicly traded manufacturing company in a series of financing and asset sale transactions aimed at repositioning the business within a high-growth market segment.
• Negotiated successful resolution of a pre-litigation shareholder dispute involving the departure of a key employee and owner from an established manufacturing company.
• Represented expanding company in its purchase and re-development of industrial site for new out-of-state manufacturing facility.
• Advised start-up corporation in connection with private placement to raise investment capital for expanding operations.

Contact our Business Transactions Practice Group

If your business is facing a critical decision, planning for growth, or navigating a complex transaction, Ruder Ware is ready to help. Our Business Transactions Practice Group has the experience and insight needed to support your goals with clear, practical legal guidance.

Founded in 1920, Ruder Ware provides business, employment, estate planning, and litigation services. A full-service law firm, over 45 attorneys provide clients with a one-stop approach to their legal needs. Ruder Ware, Business Attorneys for Business Success.