If you’re considering selling your veterinary practice to a corporate consolidator, it’s important to have more than just a broker on your side. These deals are complex, often multi-layered transactions involving sophisticated buyers, third-party financiers, and long-term contractual obligations. At Mahan Law, we represent veterinary practice owners across the country in corporate sales—providing experienced legal guidance tailored to protect your interests from negotiation through closing.
Why Corporate Sales Require Strategic Legal Counsel
Corporate consolidators, large, investor-backed entities, have become dominant players in veterinary acquisitions. While they offer attractive valuations, they also introduce risks: layered ownership structures, aggressive deal terms, and post-sale employment restrictions that can impact your career and financial future.
Unlike private party transactions, corporate deals often involve:
- Negotiated EBITDA-based valuations and performance-based earnouts
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
- Continued employment obligations with productivity benchmarks
- Deferred payments tied to practice performance
- Third-party funding with lender-imposed requirements
- Regulatory disclosures and licensing changes
Having an attorney involved from the outset ensures that your goals—not just the buyer’s—are built into the structure of the deal.
Legal Services for Sellers of Veterinary Practices
At Mahan Law, we don’t just review contracts—we proactively shape the terms of your deal to align with your long-term personal and financial goals. Our veterinary attorneys have real-world experience owning and operating practices, and we bring that insight to every transaction.
Here’s how we help sellers:
Deal Structuring & Term Sheet Review
We review or draft letters of intent (LOIs) and term sheets to clarify deal components early—purchase price, asset vs. stock sale, earnout terms, working capital requirements, and employment structure. This reduces the risk of surprises later in the process.
Contract Negotiation
We negotiate all major legal documents in the transaction, including:
- Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs)
- Employment Agreements
- Non-Compete Clauses
- Real Estate Leases or Sales
- Financing Documents (where relevant)
Our role is to push back against overly restrictive terms and build in protections that reflect your contribution and future plans.
Due Diligence & Regulatory Compliance
We assist you in compiling and reviewing due diligence materials—financials, licenses, DEA registrations, controlled substance protocols, and employee classifications—to ensure regulatory compliance and smooth transfer of ownership.
We also help flag areas of risk, such as:
- Improper employee classifications
- Lapsed licenses or facility violations
- Non-transferable contracts or service agreements
Seller Protections
Corporate buyers often standardize their contracts. We tailor those terms to your situation, including:
- Earnout protections and performance definitions
- Termination and severance clauses in employment agreements
- Reasonable non-compete scopes and durations
- Escrow release triggers and timelines
- Protections if the practice is later resold or reorganized
Managing Third-Party Brokers & Financiers
Corporate buyers often bring their own teams—brokers, bankers, lawyers. We act as your advocate in managing these stakeholders, ensuring your voice is heard and interests are represented in multi-party negotiations.
Why Experience Matters in Corporate Sales
Veterinary corporate deals are unlike typical business sales. The buyers are well-resourced, well-advised, and increasingly aggressive in protecting their models. Without experienced legal counsel, sellers may unknowingly sign away control of their careers, income, and future business opportunities.
At Mahan Law, we’ve advised on hundreds of corporate veterinary transactions nationwide. Our team understands not only the legal aspects of the deal but also the practice-level realities that affect valuation, compliance, and post-sale integration.
Start with the Right Strategy
Whether you’re exploring options, have received a letter of intent, or are in the final stages of negotiation, it’s never too early—or too late—to involve a veterinary attorney. We tailor our services to meet you where you are, providing actionable legal advice that puts you in control of the process.
Let Mahan Law Help You Close Confidently
Selling your veterinary practice to a corporate buyer is a significant milestone—but it’s also a legal minefield. Don’t rely solely on a broker or financial advisor to protect what you’ve built. At Mahan Law, we provide strategic, experienced legal representation for veterinary practice owners across the country. Our attorneys handle every stage of the corporate sale process, helping you secure favorable terms, reduce post-sale risk, and move forward with confidence.
Let’s talk about what your ideal exit looks like and how we can help you get there. Contact us to schedule your confidential consultation with Mahan Law today.