Business Lawyers Blog
Even in the reality-distorted vortex of Silicon Valley, a company’s financial statements are a critical tool in any merger or acquisition. If you are a venture-backed company, or have substantial bank loans requiring annual audits, your company’s financial statements may already be in relatively good shape. If you are an owner-operator, or have otherwise been relying on a tax-oriented approach to your financials, you’ll need to convert your financial statements to the standards commonly used by accountants.
Generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, is the method used by the accounting profession to create financial statements. If you are trying to sell your company, you will need to have GAAP financial statements to be able to attract the best buyers, and to be sure you are getting the best value. Because GAAP is so widely used and, in many cases, mandatory, failing to provide a buyer with GAAP financials will increase the perceived risk with respect to buying your company, thereby lowering the price.
An acquirer will likely require that you submit GAAP financials. As part of your agreement with the acquirer, you will represent that your company’s financials are compliant with GAAP. If you are wrong and the buyer is damaged as a result, the agreement will provide that you will have to compensate the buyer, usually through a reduction of the purchase price.
Because converting to GAAP financials is not an easy process, you need to get started as early as possible. In some businesses, such as those technology start-up companies, the conversion to GAAP could take years rather than months. Complications may arise, particularly in the revenue recognition area, and prior year financials may need to be restated. This could be disastrous if, in the middle of negotiations, adherence to GAAP eliminates the year-over-year profit increases you hoped to show.
It is critically important that you begin early to get your company in shape to be acquired. Structure Law Group attorneys can guide you through the merger and acquisition process, and routinely works with accountants and financial advisors to help business owners meet their goals.