Merges & Acquisitions

The 'Law & Finance' Approach to Deal Making.

Buying or selling a business in the OHADA zone is not just a legal process; it is a financial and strategic calculation. To succeed, you need advisors who understand both the Uniform Act on Commercial Companies and the underlying financial statements of the target.

Maaron Law Firm offers a distinct advantage in the M&A market. Led by a Managing Partner who is both an Attorney-at-Law and a Chartered Accountant, our team bridges the gap between legal risk and financial value. We don't just draft the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA); we understand the tax implications, the valuation models, and the commercial reality of the deal.

How We Help: The Full Deal Lifecycle

We advise public and private companies, private equity funds, and family offices on complex, transformational transactions across Central Africa.

1. Structuring the Deal (Share vs. Asset)

A key decision is whether to proceed via a share sale or an asset sale.

Share Deals : Usually more tax-efficient for sellers. We conduct rigorous due diligence to minimize the buyer's risk of inheriting hidden liabilities (tax debts, labor disputes).
Asset Deals : Allow buyers to 'cherry-pick' assets and leave liabilities behind. We structure these transfers to comply with OHADA formalities and ensure seamless continuity of operations.
Tax Optimization : Leveraging our internal accounting expertise, we work with your tax advisors to structure the deal in the most tax-efficient manner under the CEMAC fiscal framework.

2. Due Diligence (The IFG Advantage)

In the African market, information asymmetry is a major risk.

Legal Due Diligence : Reviewing corporate governance, contracts, and litigation risks.
Integrity Checks : Through the International Fraud Group (IFG), we perform deep background checks on the target's owners and key assets to ensure you are not buying into a fraud or money-laundering scheme.

3. Transaction Types

Cross-Border Acquisitions : Acting as local counsel for international multinationals acquiring entities in Cameroon or the sub-region (via Legalink).
Management Buy-Outs (MBOs) : Advising management teams on acquiring the businesses they run, often involving complex financing structures.
Private Equity : Advising funds on entry (acquisition) and exit strategies.
Employee Ownership : Structuring schemes to transfer ownership to staff.

Why Choose Maaron Law Firm for M&A?

The 'One-Stop' Deal Shop : Because of our dual legal and financial DNA, we reduce the friction between your lawyers and your accountants. We speak both languages. We can spot a 'deal-breaker' in a balance sheet just as quickly as we can in a contract clause.
Speed & Execution : M&A deals have momentum; delays can kill them. We are known for our responsiveness and our ability to drive the process forward, from the Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Closing Bible.
Regional Reach : Whether the target is in Douala, Libreville, or N'Djamena, our mastery of the OHADA Uniform Acts allows us to replicate successful deal structures across 17 countries.

Ready to close the deal?

Contact our Corporate M&A Team today.

Phone : +237 680 351 225
Email : contact@maaronlawfirm.com