WA Business Law Blog

Washington Wage and Break Compliance for Small Businesses

Dexter N. Bradford, Edmonds Lawyer
Dexter N. Bradford
Oct 30, 2025
Recently the Washington Court of Appeals upheld a jury verdict that issued a record $229 million in damages in Bennett v. Providence Health & Services. The jury found that the employer’s payroll and meal break practices violated state wage and hour laws. For business owners, this case is a powerful reminder that wage and break… Read More

Part 3 of 3: Integration, Tax, and the Long Tail of M&A

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Oct 28, 2025
3-Part Series - How Accountants Steer M&A—A Lawyer’s Insight Closing day is a milestone, but it’s not the finish line. Post-close, the real work begins. Integration, tax structuring, and compliance all come into play. And once again, accountants are at the center of it. Integration: Where Systems Meet Strategy Post-merger integration is where good deals… Read More

Part 2 of 3: Protecting Value: Representations and Deal Dynamics

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Oct 28, 2025
3-Part Series - How Accountants Steer M&A—A Lawyer’s Insight Once the deal structure is set and diligence is underway, the focus shifts to protecting value. This is where accountants and lawyers work side by side crafting representations, making adjustments, and preparing for post-close reconciliation. Representations and Warranties: Built on Financial Reality Representations and warranties are… Read More

Part 1 of 3: From LOI to Diligence: Why Accountants Matter Early On

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Oct 28, 2025
3-Part Series - How Accountants Steer M&A—A Lawyer’s Insight When a deal begins to take shape, lawyers and accountants are often among the first calls, and for good reasons. Each brings a critical lens to the transaction. In my experience, involving accountants early and often can surface insights that shape structure, uncover risk, and strengthen… Read More

3-Part Series – How Accountants Steer M&A—A Lawyer’s Insight

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Oct 23, 2025
This is a three-part series exploring how lawyers and accountants can work together to drive better outcomes in M&A transactions. Whether you’re a business owner preparing for a sale or an advisor guiding clients through the process, this series offers practical insights into how cross-disciplinary collaboration strengthens deals from start to finish. Mergers and acquisitions… Read More

What LLC Members Can Learn from the Tegna–Sinclair Merger

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Sep 22, 2025
As Tegna and Sinclair Broadcasting propose a high-profile merger in the local television space, the headlines may seem distant from the day-to-day concerns of small business owners. But beneath the surface, this deal offers valuable insights for LLCs navigating ownership transitions, mergers, and strategic exits. Here are four key lessons worth considering. 1. Valuation Premiums… Read More

Giorgio Armani’s Succession Plan and the Art of Selling a Legacy

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Sep 18, 2025
Valuation Vigilance: Planning the Sale of a Business with Purpose and Protection When Giorgio Armani passed away, he left behind more than a fashion empire—he left a roadmap for how to sell a business with precision. His will outlines a phased sale: a 15% stake within 18 months, followed by up to 54.9% over five… Read More

Seller Representations and Warranties in Asset Purchase Agreements

C. Michael Kvistad, Edmonds Lawyer
C. Michael Kvistad
Aug 27, 2025
In the world of mergers and acquisitions, the asset purchase agreement (“APA”) is a cornerstone document, and seller representations and warranties are among its most scrutinized provisions. Understanding the purpose, scope, and strategic implications of these clauses is essential. What Are Representations and Warranties For? At their core, seller representations and warranties are about building trust in… Read More

What is “Working Capital” in the Context of a Business Deal?

David C. Tingstad, Edmonds Lawyer
David C. Tingstad
Jul 10, 2025
Working capital is a critical concept in the context of asset purchase and sale agreements (APAs) and stock purchase and sale agreements (SPAs), as it directly impacts the purchase price and ensures the financial stability of the acquired business during the transition. In these agreements, working capital is generally defined as the difference between current… Read More