As a business owner, you know that one of the biggest decisions you ever make is deciding to buy or sell a business. A merger or acquisition can be a fast track to growth or an opportunity to move on to something new. Hiring competent legal counsel is essential at this critical juncture, as there are many complex, fast-moving parts: including how the deal is structured (stock sale, asset sale, merger) letters of intent, due diligence, purchase and sale agreements, loan documents, confidentiality and noncompetition agreements, employment agreements, real estate, vendor and customer contracts, tax considerations, and bills of sale.