#333 Legal Pitfalls of Business Acquisitions

In this week’s episode, Jonathan sits down with his long-term legal partner, John Andrews, for a masterclass on the legal do’s and don’ts of buying a business.

With over 250 deals completed for Dealmakers clients and three decades of M&A experience, John shares the essential legal knowledge every buyer needs — especially if you’re serious about avoiding costly mistakes.

Whether you’re preparing for your first deal or scaling up your acquisition strategy, this episode gives you the legal edge to navigate deals with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why a Shareholders’ Agreement is Crucial — and why skipping it can cost you dearly later
• How to Choose the Right Lawyer — and why not all solicitors are qualified to handle M&A
• What Goes into a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) — and the key clauses that protect you
• The Three Types of Due Diligence — and how each one helps avoid nasty surprises
• The True Cost of Legal Work — from fixed fees to due diligence and abortive deal risks
• Asset Purchase vs. Share Purchase — the pros, cons, and tax implications of each
• What to Expect During the Completion Process — and why most deals are now done digitally
• The Most Common Legal Mistakes Buyers Make — and how to avoid them
• How to Avoid Overpaying or Becoming a “Motivated Buyer” — and stay in control of negotiations
• Why a Strong Legal Team on Both Sides Speeds Up the Deal — and can save you thousands

If you’ve ever wondered what your lawyer should really be doing for you — or how to make sure your deal doesn’t unravel at the last minute — this episode pulls back the curtain on the legal side of business buying.

 

🎧 Listen now and get legally savvy:

👉 Listen on Spotify

👉 Find all episodes at dealmakers.co.uk

 

Links & Resources Mentioned

• Book a Clarity Call (free, no obligation) → dealmakers.co.uk/clarity
• Jonathan’s YouTube Channel → youtube.com/@JonathanJayDealmaker
• Subscribe to the Business Buying Strategies Podcast archive → dealmakerspodcast.co.uk

If you enjoyed this Q&A format and want Jonathan to do more, let him know by leaving a comment or review!

And if you’re serious about buying your first (or next) business, book your free clarity call today: dealmakers.co.uk/clarity