ETA – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Great Opportunity.
Established Success.

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is a thought leader working on the cutting edge of ETA. We value the flexibility and opportunity that ETA transactions provide for our clients, and our team has the capacity and depth of knowledge to handle issues that arise while keeping the the deal moving toward closing.

ETA – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition

Buying a business as an entrepreneur can be the most important process in a person’s career. FMJ is on the cutting edge of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), and we can help! From the initial search process through due diligence, closing, and transition of ownership, our attorneys understand the entire process, including the potential pitfalls, best practices, and creative solutions needed to hit the ground running with your new business.

ETA is one of the fastest-growing paths to business ownership. ETA involves searching for and identifying proven businesses that allow a new owner to step in and focus on refining and advancing the operation instead of dealing with all of the issues involved with a startup. ETA is an appealing option for many of our clients because it provides more freedom and flexibility, including self-funded search options and attractive financing options. Buying an established business that has already achieved financial viability and established its products, services, and market identity is a more predictable path for many entrepreneurs. ETA also provides the opportunity for a new owner to avoid the uncertainty and often the lack of initial reliable income that comes along with a pure startup.

Our attorneys can help clients work through successful ETA deals across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, consulting and professional services, technology, healthcare and medical devices, real estate, renewable energy, sports & entertainment, education, aviation, and many more. We work on ETA deals all along the size spectrum, ranging from SBA to lower middle market. Similar to M&A and other types of commercial transactions, ETA and self-funded search deals can be complicated. With the strength of our commercial and M&A practice groups behind it, FMJ’s ETA team provides the same strong negotiations, creative solutions, compelling value, and responsive service, that lead to the to the positive experiences and outcomes our clients have come to expect from Fafinski Mark & Johnson.

List of Services

  • Asset Transactions
  • Carve Outs
  • Closing Process
  • Conventional Lending
  • Coordinating Financial Diligence
  • Corporate Governance
  • Disclosure Schedules
  • Employee Benefits
  • Entity Formation
  • Equity/Stock Transactions
  • Fundless Sponsor Transactions
  • Funds Flow
  • HR & Employment
  • Indemnification Analysis and Agreements
  • Identifying and Mitigating Risk from Enumerated Liabilities
  • Independent Contractor Analysis
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Legal Due Diligence
  • Lending and Financing
  • Letters of Intent (LOI)
  • Negotiations and Advising
  • Operating Agreements
  • Ownership Transition
  • Potential Litigation
  • Promissory Notes, Including Forgivable Notes
  • Purchase Agreements
  • Real Estate Leasing and Purchases
  • Restructuring
  • Risk Management
  • SBA Loans and Lending
  • Self-Funded Searches
  • Third-Party Contracts
  • And More!

Representative Transactions

The following transactions are a sample of the work FMJ has done over the last couple of years.  These matters show the broad range of industries, services, deals, and parties/organizations we work with on a regular basis.

Represented the purchaser of a commercial HVAC company. This transaction included an F Reorg and many other complicated factors, including real estate issues and financial issues on the seller’s side that needed to be unraveled before the purchase could go through.

Represented a client in the sale of an engineering consulting business to an existing employee. The deal involved a 100% transfer of the membership interests in the company to the existing employee. The transaction grew complicated due to health issues with one of the sellers, but FMJ was able to help all parties negotiate this difficult situation.

Represented the buyer in the purchase of a designer and seller of custom team uniforms and other sports and athletic apparel. FMJ advised on drafting and negotiating all transaction documentation, completion of due diligence, and coordinating closing.

Represented a lender in a deal to fund the acquisition of business and real estate assets of a leading window installer. This deal included a business acquisition loan, a real estate loan, and a revolving line of credit, as well as some complexity on the real estate front due to lingering title issues.

Represented the buyer in a purchase of a business that sells and markets products on Amazon. FMJ advised on issues surrounding ongoing vendor relationships, along with drafting and negotiating all transaction documentation, completion of due diligence, and coordinating closing.

Represented the buyer in a purchase of a provider of automation solutions and manufactured goods, providing primarily automated assembly machines, prototypes, tooling, piece parts, and other related items. FMJ handled the drafting and negotiating of all transaction documentation and advised on completion of due diligence and closing.

Represented the buyer in the purchase of hydraulic tool and part company. FMJ analyzed and advised on the specific needs this business would have going forward and also handled drafting and negotiating all transaction documentation, completion of due diligence, and closing.

Represented a client in the acquisition of a 16,000 square foot industrial center. The negotiation, due diligence, and closing were all accomplished on an extremely expedited basis to meet client deadlines and the deal was completed in less than three weeks from initial contact.

 

 

ETA – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Team

ETA – Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Resources

March 2026

Employment Law Considerations for Non-Employees in Minnesota, Including LLC Members, Founders, and Nonprofit Organization Members

Learn how Minnesota employment laws apply to founders, nonprofits, and business owners, and when to seek legal help. Read more

February 2026

Are AI Generated Documents Privileged? No, According to a Recent Court Ruling.

AI searches and documents may not be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Read more

February 2026

Cortney Buesgens and Rob Fafinski Featured in Holy Family HS Alumni Magazine

Cortney and Rob attended the same high school in Victoria, Minnesota. Read more

February 2026

Nate Snyder and Morgan Zuehlke to Present at The Solo Journey Business Education Event

Nate and Morgan are set to speak about legal topics such as data privacy, contracts/agreements, IP, business entities, liability, and risk management. Read more

February 2026

Privacy Policies: When Do Your Words Become Legal Promises?

The language you choose in a privacy policy can carry legal consequences. Read more

November 2025

Corporate Closings

Take a look back at some highlights from the Corporate and Business Group in summer and early fall 2025. Read more

November 2025

FMJ Welcomes Litigation and Real Estate Attorney Hannah Schacherl Jansen

Hannah will handle Litigation, Appellate, and Real Estate matters, including environmental and watershed issues. Welcome to FMJ! Read more

October 2025

Family Office Planning for Athletes and Business Leaders – FMJ Law Podcast Episode 38

Cameron Caprio joins the FMJ Podcast Crew to discuss Family Offices as a strategic planning tool. Read more

September 2025

Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave Program

Natolie Hochhausen will discuss PFML at the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce on September 16, 2025. Read more

September 2025

Business Succession Planning

Pat Shriver will join CPAs and business planning professionals for a free webinar on September 16, 2025. Read more

August 2025

18 FMJ Attorneys Selected for the 2026 Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch Lists

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Read more

July 2025

Minnesota Monthly Selects 11 FMJ Attorneys for the 2025 Top Lawyers List

Congratulations to these 11 attorneys across 9 practice areas! Read more

July 2025

FMJ Attorneys Named to the 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists!

Congratulations to these 12 attorneys, and thank you for another excellent year. Read more

June 2025

Rob Tunheim to Present Webinar About New Developments for Buy/Sell Agreements

A recent Supreme Court case has forced many organizations to revisit their Buy/Sell Agreements. Read more

June 2025

More Minnesota Employment Law Changes: 2025 Legislative Session Update

Learn about changes that include employee breaks, ESST, Paid Leave, and more. Read more

Other Practice Areas

Agriculture

Agriculture

Our Agriculture group has legal experience in all aspects of agribusiness, including general corporate and transactional matters, farm succession planning, and litigation. Our attorneys also represent many types of cooperatives and independent elevators, including grain, feed, chemical, and fuel.
Appellate

Appellate

Our Appellate group has years of experience in assessing, briefing, and arguing appeals at all levels of courts throughout the United States. We have the ability to synthesize and analyze the record and the law, as well as narrow the case focus to those issues most likely to bring client benefit and appellate success.
Aviation & Transportation

Aviation & Transportation

Recognized nationally and internationally for our experience and insider knowledge of the transportation industries, our Transportation & Logistics attorneys are equipped with immense insight and a practical approach to complex logistical and legal issues.
Banking & Financial Institutions

Banking & Financial Institutions

Our Banking & Financial Institution team includes lending attorneys, bankruptcy attorneys, corporate attorneys, commercial and special asset attorneys, and attorneys with experience serving on bank loan committees, boards of directors of banks, and bank holding companies.
Bankruptcy & Insolvency

Bankruptcy & Insolvency

Our Bankruptcy & Insolvency attorneys represent creditors in all aspects of bankruptcy, reorganization, and workouts, and appear in courtrooms across the country. Our philosophy is to actively participate in every phase of the workout and reorganization process.
Competition & Trade

Competition & Trade

We work with clients daily to help them better compete in their marketplace, whether that be local, national, global, or virtual. Our goal is to understand our clients’ businesses and challenges and help them navigate the business and legal obstacles to success.
Defamation and Reputation Protection

Defamation and Reputation Protection

Fafinski Mark & Johnson is a leader in helping businesses to protect their reputations and navigate defamation claims, including both libel and slander.
General Corporate & Business

General Corporate & Business

Our General Corporate & Business group works with organizations of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, across all industries, helping them devise strategies and solve problems. Much of the work we do is contractual – structuring, negotiating, and reviewing contracts.
HR & Employment

HR & Employment

Our HR & Employment attorneys guide our clients through the complexities of employment procedures and policies, employee benefits, hiring and termination practices, and compliance with ever-changing employment laws. We combine our knowledge of the law with specifics of our clients’ businesses to produce optimal outcomes.
Insurance

Insurance

FMJ’s Insurance group represents commercial and nonprofit insurers, and the team serves as outside general counsel to fraternal insurance companies. We advise insurance companies on all aspects of corporate, nonprofit, and insurance law.
Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property attorneys assist with trademark and copyright registration, compliance and licensing, dispute resolution, and pre-dispute counseling. We also have the technical, business, and legal acumen necessary to provide counsel on various intellectual property matters.
Litigation

Litigation

From local courtrooms to the United States Supreme Court, our Litigation group has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients in a wide variety of legal disputes. We specialize in commercial, general, employment, shareholder, insurance defense, product liability, aviation, transportation, real estate, and appellate litigation.
Manufacturing

Manufacturing

FMJ’s Manufacturing attorneys have been holistically representing manufacturers for two decades. From R&D, through supply chain, operations, distribution, and sale channels, we know your challenges. We have a history of efficiently solving our clients’ legal issues in every phase of manufacturing.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers & Acquisitions

Our Mergers & Acquisitions team has handled deals collectively worth billions of dollars. With experience representing buyers, sellers and investors, we have the capacity and depth of knowledge to understand the issues that arise during the course of a transaction and offer solutions to ensure your deal moves forward and closes.
Nonprofit & Philanthropic

Nonprofit & Philanthropic

FMJ’s Nonprofit & Philanthropic group is passionate about assisting philanthropies and nonprofit organizations in carrying out their meaningful missions, paired with their extensive experience in an array of areas, makes the firm an ideal fit to help nonprofit and philanthropic organizations face the many nuances of nonprofit law.
Products Liability

Products Liability

With their expansive product knowledge and extensive experience, FMJ’s Products Liability group is able to handle cases effectively, efficiently, and with their clients' interests always at the forefront. The group has served as regional and national counsel to multi-level international Fortune 500 companies in 30 states for over 40 years.
Real Estate

Real Estate

Our Real Estate team has the experience and practical business knowledge necessary to navigate, negotiate, and manage the nuanced elements of real estate transactions, whether you are a business that has ongoing commercial purchase and sale or lease transactions, you are an experienced investor, or you are investing in real estate for the first time.
Sports & Entertainment

Sports & Entertainment

FMJ’s attorneys provide the wide range of legal services that sports and entertainment organizations need to succeed. We understand that cost-effectiveness matters, so we deliver real value without sacrificing the quality of our advice and representation. Our team works efficiently to solve legal challenges, allowing clients to concentrate on what matters most: their craft, their content, and their game.
Trusts & Estates

Trusts & Estates

Our Trusts & Estates group provides estate planning, estate administration, business and unique asset succession planning, estate controversy assistance and related services to individuals, closely-held businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and corporate fiduciaries. We are always accepting new clients and offer complimentary 30-minute initial consultations and flat-fee estate planning to fit every budget.