Innovare Elevation Series: Mergers & Acquisitions: Consideration for Government Contractors

Many businesses involved with emerging technologies, particularly those involving engineering and sciences that are valuable to defense, aerospace, and aeronautics, contract with federal government agencies. Private equity investment in government contracting is nothing new but has increased continually in recent years. Government contractors face distinct challenges when purchasing, selling, or restructuring their businesses. Because of the highly regulated industry, buyers and sellers of government contracting businesses must understand and navigate the nuances of government contract law, including applicable statutes and regulations.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are key business strategies in the domestic and international economic landscapes today, and businesses involved in federal government contracting must also consider these strategies. Due Diligence gives buyers, sellers, and merger partners the opportunity to evaluate the true worth of the partners and prospective new enterprise. The unique requirements of government contracts demand that due diligence efforts include an in-depth analysis, assessment, and evaluation of those contracts.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Rich Raleigh focuses his practice on litigation with an emphasis on government contracts, employment law, complex business litigation (including trade secret and non-compete litigation), and civil litigation.

Drawing upon his experience in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, Rich has successfully represented clients dealing with issues related to government contracts, non-competition agreements, and trade secrets throughout the Southeast. He regularly handles matters requiring immediate action – motions for temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunction hearings – particularly in cases involving non-compete agreements and claims of misappropriation of trade secrets. He has also successfully represented clients in appeals before many appellate courts, including the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits, the Alabama Supreme Court, and specialty courts like the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

Rich has negotiated favorable severance packages, employment contracts, and partnership agreements and assisted clients in mergers and acquisitions, including in the highly regulated area of federal government contracting. He has also represented executives and companies in internal investigations and corporate governance matters.

Rich is listed on the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution’s Qualified Mediator Roster with a concentration on Business Litigation/Disputes, Commercial Litigation, Contracts, Cybersecurity, Data Breach, Employment Law, Government Contracts, Non-Compete Agreements, and Trade Secrets.

He attended the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law, where he graduated cum laude. After graduation, Rich served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps before joining private practice in northern Alabama. Dedicated to providing pro bono representation to the underserved members of his community, Rich has handled cases for the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program, frequently helping veterans with legal issues.