Martin Sances

Beware of Cashier’s Check Scams – my own recent experience

I recently received a fake cashier's check for $130,000. The check was supposed to pay the amounts due to a client under his severance agreement. It turned out the client, the entire client relationship and all the communications I received were fraudulent and part of an elaborate scam, presumably designed to get me to deposit … Continue reading Beware of Cashier’s Check Scams – my own recent experience

Martin Sances

The Acquisition Odyssey – 7 challenges of acquiring another company as seen through the eyes of Odysseus

So, you are looking to grow by acquisition. Your un-wax filled ears have heard the siren’s song of acquiring new revenue and customers without all the “hard work” of organic growth. You already know that nothing in business is easy, but be prepared for these 7 challenges when you decide to move forward with an … Continue reading The Acquisition Odyssey – 7 challenges of acquiring another company as seen through the eyes of Odysseus

Martin Sances

Making an Asset Purchase in California? – Don’t forget about Bulk Sales

California Commercial Code §6101, et. seq. is the codification of the Uniform Commercial Code Bulk Sales law.  It is one instance where a buyer of assets may be responsible for the obligations of the seller, even though the asset purchase agreement states otherwise. A Bulk Sale is defined as any sale outside the ordinary course of … Continue reading Making an Asset Purchase in California? – Don’t forget about Bulk Sales

Martin Sances

Subcontractors may have to indemnify even if the general contractor is negligent.

As most California subcontractors know, the indemnity clause is generally presented by general contractors as a “take it or leave it” provision. Either take it and get the work or leave it and they will find someone else to do the job. To try and build in some equity for subcontractors, the legislature passed SB … Continue reading Subcontractors may have to indemnify even if the general contractor is negligent.

Martin Sances

Insurance and Autonomous Vehicles in California: How Prop 103 discourages individual ownership

Proposition 103, approved by California Voters in 1988, created an elected insurance commissioner and mandated a rate setting process to protect consumers. It also required an immediate 20% reduction in auto insurance rates and set forth the criteria that can be used to set future auto insurance premiums as follows: (a) Rates and premiums for an … Continue reading Insurance and Autonomous Vehicles in California: How Prop 103 discourages individual ownership