{"id":68741,"date":"2025-11-18T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/?post_type=diccionario&#038;p=68741"},"modified":"2025-11-20T17:08:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T16:08:12","slug":"legal-preparation-for-tech-companies","status":"publish","type":"diccionario","link":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal preparation for tech companies: governance, contracts, and compliance before due diligence"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In a sale process, the buyer does not want surprises, hidden nuances or unforeseen risks. That is why the legal area becomes one of the silent pillars of business value in an M&amp;A process. After advising hundreds of technology companies on <a href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/sale-of-companies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sale of all or part of their businesses<\/a>processes, we have observed that sometimes <strong>a lack of preparation in legal matters can destroy the value of the company<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being prepared means having a clear corporate structure, impeccable corporate records, and a contractual ecosystem with no loose ends. From shareholder agreements to employment contracts and software licences, every document matters. A missing signature, a verbal agreement, or a non-existent document can become contingencies that slow down, delay, or cheapen a transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the legal sphere, preparation is not just about meeting requirements: it is about <strong>protecting the value<\/strong> that the company has generated over the years. Organisations that are well organised at the start of a process convey solidity, professionalism and long-term vision. And that, in the eyes of a buyer, translates into trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Contents\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Como_preparar_la_documentacion_para_la_venta_de_tu_empresa_tecnologica\" >C\u00f3mo preparar la documentaci\u00f3n para la venta de tu empresa tecnol\u00f3gica<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Paso_1_Organizar_y_revisar_los_contratos\" >Step 1: Organise and review contracts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Paso_2_Litigios_y_licitaciones\" >Step 2: Litigation and tenders<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Paso_3_Asegurar_el_cumplimiento_laboral\" >Step 3: Ensure labour compliance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Paso_4_Optimizar_la_gobernanza_corporativa_y_el_cap_table\" >Step 4: Optimise corporate governance and cap table<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#Paso_5_Garantizar_el_cumplimiento_regulatorio\" >Step 5: Ensure regulatory compliance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/como-hacer\/preparacion-legal-para-empresas-tech\/#La_preparacion_legal_como_ventaja_competitiva\" >Legal preparation as a competitive advantage<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Como_preparar_la_documentacion_para_la_venta_de_tu_empresa_tecnologica\"><\/span>C\u00f3mo preparar la documentaci\u00f3n para la venta de tu empresa tecnol\u00f3gica<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paso_1_Organizar_y_revisar_los_contratos\"><\/span>Step 1: Organise and review contracts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The starting point is a comprehensive review of the company's legal framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have you compiled and reviewed all relevant contracts (customers, suppliers, leases, loans)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you identified any change of control clauses or required consents?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a digital repository that includes all critical supplier contracts, leases, loans and credit lines, enterprise software licences, and distribution or partnership agreements. Systematically identify and document clauses that may impact the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paso_2_Litigios_y_licitaciones\"><\/span>Step 2: Litigation and tenders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pending litigation can reduce the value of the company, while transparency and proactive management are essential. All litigation, claims or administrative investigations must be clearly identified and documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have you identified any pending litigation, disputes or regulatory investigations?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have you documented your exposure and resolution plans?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Transparency at this stage is key. Buyers understand that any company can face disputes; what they will not tolerate are opaque or poorly managed risks. Thoroughly document all active litigation, ongoing regulatory investigations, pending labour claims, and disputes with customers or suppliers. Prioritise the resolution of minor disputes before the sale process. Consider mediation for commercial disputes, settlement agreements for labour claims, and payment plans for disputes with suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paso_3_Asegurar_el_cumplimiento_laboral\"><\/span>Step 3: Ensure labour compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Revisa la naturaleza jur\u00eddica de todas las relaciones profesionales. En el sector tecnol\u00f3gico, el 30% de las empresas tienen riesgos por falsos aut\u00f3nomos mal documentados.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do you comply with labour regulations (no bogus self-employment, consistent with HR compliance)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Implement a verification protocol that includes an analysis of actual autonomy vs. subordination for freelancers, a review of commercial vs. employment contracts, documentation of schedules, tools, and workplace, and an analysis of exclusivity and economic dependence. In the tech sector, intellectual property is a core asset. Any breach in ownership directly compromises the value of the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paso_4_Optimizar_la_gobernanza_corporativa_y_el_cap_table\"><\/span>Step 4: Optimise corporate governance and <em>cap table<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor governance can prolong the sale process, so advance preparation is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are your corporate and governance documents (articles of association, books and minutes) up to date?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have updated partnership agreements, such as rights of first refusal or preference?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you have the <em>cap table<\/em> signed?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it include all duly documented issues, options and <em>warrants <\/em>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure that all company books are up to date and legalised; also review and update other documents such as the articles of association, shareholders' agreements, current powers of attorney and authorisations, family protocols and board regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paso_5_Garantizar_el_cumplimiento_regulatorio\"><\/span>Step 5: Ensure regulatory compliance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology companies often operate under specific regulatory frameworks. It is essential to ensure compliance with data protection regulations, sector-specific requirements (e.g., fintech, healthcare, AI, cybersecurity), export controls, technical certifications, and other requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do you comply with industry-specific regulations and licences (data protection, export control, etc.)?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These areas are often scrutinised by buyers, especially in highly regulated markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"La_preparacion_legal_como_ventaja_competitiva\"><\/span>Legal preparation as a competitive advantage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In our experience, companies that are better prepared legally not only close deals faster, but also do so on better terms. <strong>Legal preparation<\/strong> is not an expense, <strong>it is an investment in maximising exit value<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message to buyers must be clear: professionally managed company, risks identified and mitigated, and impeccable documentation ready for review. In a market where a large proportion of transactions fall through or are renegotiated due to legal issues, preparation makes the difference between a successful sale and a missed opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start today with a basic legal audit. Identify your main gaps and establish a plan. Remember that in M&amp;A, legal issues do not appear, they are discovered. If you need help assessing your legal readiness, our team of technology M&amp;A specialists can perform a detailed diagnosis of your current situation with no obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/exit-readiness\/#CTAForm\" style=\"color:#030a19;background-color:#d1ec51\"><strong>DO A SELF-DIAGNOSIS<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"tags":[],"paso-howto":[2292],"sectores":[],"class_list":["post-68741","diccionario","type-diccionario","status-publish","hentry","paso-howto-cumplimiento"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/diccionario\/68741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/diccionario"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/diccionario"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68741"},{"taxonomy":"paso-howto","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/paso-howto?post=68741"},{"taxonomy":"sectores","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techma.bakertilly.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sectores?post=68741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}