Business Transfers
Business Purchases, Sales, Breakups, Owner Buyouts, and Generational Transfers
I help business owners buy, sell, and transfer privately held companies. Over the past three decades, I have guided clients through hundreds of asset and equity transactions across diverse industries, with purchase prices ranging from $50,000 for smaller closely held businesses, to transactions as large as $65 million for larger businesses.
I represent buyers and sellers in transactions involving private equity firms, strategic acquirers, search funds, acquisition entrepreneurs, family members, and industry competitors. I also assist with co-owner buyouts and transfers arising from succession, divorce, deadlock disputes, retirement, or other changes in business ownership.
I assist clients at every stage of the transfer process, from negotiating broker agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and letters of intent to drafting and negotiating purchase agreements and closing documents. I advise on deal structure, manage legal due diligence, prepare disclosure schedules, and structure seller financing when appropriate.
My role is to guide the transfer of ownership carefully, identify and address risks, and manage the process through closing with clarity and discipline.
Real Estate Transfers
Commercial Real Estate Purchases, Sales, and Leases
I help business owners buy, sell, lease, and transfer commercial real estate, including office buildings, warehouses, retail properties, and mixed-use facilities.
For many owners, commercial property is among their most significant assets, and its transfer requires careful drafting and disciplined execution.
I represent buyers and sellers in negotiated transactions from contract through closing, including preparation and negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, review of title commitments and surveys, review of environmental assessments, coordination of due diligence, consideration of ownership and entity structure, and management of closing documentation.
I also assist with co-owner buyouts and real estate transfers arising from succession, divorce, deadlock disputes, or other changes to real estate ownership.
My role is to guide the transfer of title carefully, identify and address risk, and manage the process with clarity and discipline.
CONFIDENCE IN THE PROCESS AND OUTCOME
Transferring a business or real estate is a processes, not an event.
Unfamiliarity with how to navigate the process can
cost you time and money and expose you to risks.
Joel uses his 30+ years of experience working on thousands of transactions
to help guide owners through the business or real estate transfer process
in a manner that gives you confidence that your interests have been protected.
ATTORNEY
JOEL ANKNEY
OWNERSHIP TRANSFER LAWYER
Tel: 757.270.4088
Joel graduated first in his class from law school, then practiced for 12 years at some of the nation's largest law firms. Joel started his own law firm in 2003 to represent small business owners in a more economical and efficient manner.
He is the author of three books that can help business owners understand the process of transferring their businesses.
Joel has guest lectured at leading business schools and on numerous podcasts about the process of transferring ownership in a small business.
With more than 30 years of experience helping business owners transfer businesses and commercial real estate, Joel focuses on strategies that de-escalate tense negotiations and get your deal closed efficiently.
Connect with Joel on LinkedIn
EDUCATION
J.D., William & Mary Law School, 1991
B.S., Organizational Psychology, Brigham Young University, 1987
BAR ADMISSION
Virginia, 1991
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Collaborative Law Certificate
Basic Mediation Skills Training Certificate
RECOGNITIONS
Panelist, Southeast Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference
Guest Speaker, New Majority Capital
Guest Speaker, UVA Darden School of Business
Guest Speaker, William & Mary Entrepreneurship Hub
Guest Speaker, Columbia Business School ETA Class
Guest Speaker, Gies College of Business ETA Class
Virginia Elite Attorney, Business Law
Coastal Virginia Top Attorney, Business Law
Order of the Coif
William & Mary Law Review
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CONTACT
ANKNEY LAW
OUR ADDRESS
249 Central Park Ave., Ste. 300, Box 43, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Email: joel@jalawoffice.com
Tel: 757.270.4088
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
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