Tech Startup Acquisition - $24M Deal
The Challenge
Client wanted to acquire a promising AI startup but due diligence uncovered undisclosed IP disputes and messy founder agreements. Deal was 48 hours from collapse when they called us in.
What We Did
Negotiated directly with the other party's IP claimant, restructured the founder equity split, and drafted protective clauses that insulated our client from pre-acquisition liabilities. Round-the-clock work for three days straight.
The Outcome
Deal closed on time. IP dispute settled for $180K instead of the $2.3M originally claimed. Client got their acquisition, we got zero post-closing headaches.
Breach of Contract Dispute
The Challenge
Manufacturing client got sued by a supplier claiming $4.7M in damages for allegedly breaking a distribution agreement. Contract language was vague, and previous counsel advised settling for $3M+.
What We Did
Found a termination clause buried in an amendment that previous lawyers missed. Built our entire defense around it, brought in industry experts who testified the supplier's damages were wildly inflated, then counterclaimed for $800K in defective parts.
The Outcome
Case dismissed with prejudice. Our counterclaim settled for $425K. Client walked away with money in their pocket instead of writing a multi-million dollar check.
Board Dispute Resolution
The Challenge
Family-owned business, three generations on the board, nobody agreeing on succession planning. Things got ugly fast - accusations flying, factions forming, business suffering.
What We Did
Mediated discussions between all parties, drafted new bylaws with clear succession protocols, established an independent advisory committee, and created buy-sell agreements that satisfied everyone.
The Outcome
Board's functional again, succession plan in place, family relationships salvaged. Company avoided a costly public battle that would've destroyed shareholder value.
Trade Secret Theft Case
The Challenge
Software company discovered their former VP of Engineering took proprietary code to a competitor. Guy was smart - covered his tracks well. Digital forensics showed nothing obvious.
What We Did
Brought in top-tier cyber forensics team, found deleted file artifacts, traced USB transfers to external devices. Filed for emergency injunction, deposed the VP and got him to crack under questioning. His new employer's product launch got frozen mid-campaign.
The Outcome
Settled for $3.2M plus return of all proprietary materials. Competitor's product got pulled from market. Our client maintained their competitive edge and sent a message to the industry.
Wrongful Dismissal Defense
Employment
The Challenge
Client terminated a senior exec for performance issues. Employee sued for $850K claiming wrongful dismissal, discrimination, and constructive dismissal. Media got wind of it - PR nightmare brewing.
What We Did
Built ironclad documentation showing multiple warnings, PIP attempts, and legitimate performance gaps. Proved discrimination claims were baseless. Managed media strategy to protect client's reputation.
The Outcome
Settled for $120K - less than two months' salary. All discrimination claims withdrawn. Confidentiality agreement kept everything quiet. Client's reputation intact.
Shareholder Oppression Claim
LitigationThe Challenge
Minority shareholder claimed majority partners were freezing her out, diverting profits, and devaluing her stake. She wanted $6M or a forced buyout at inflated valuation. Discovery was gonna be brutal and expensive.
What We Did
Got an independent valuator both sides trusted, showed transparent financials proving profits weren't being diverted, demonstrated all decisions followed proper corporate procedures. Then negotiated a fair buyout that both parties could live with.
The Outcome
Settled at $1.8M - fair market value with small premium for peace. Avoided 18+ months of litigation that would've cost everyone more than the settlement. Business kept operating smoothly throughout.
Cross-Border Acquisition - $47M Transaction
The Challenge
Canadian client wanted to acquire a US-based competitor. Different regulatory frameworks, tax implications nobody'd mapped out, and the target had environmental liabilities from 15 years ago that weren't properly disclosed.
What We Did
Coordinated with US counsel, environmental consultants, and tax specialists across both countries. Restructured deal to ring-fence environmental risks, negotiated indemnification clauses, and created tax-efficient structure that saved millions.