5 simple steps for your M&A escrow 

Not all escrow providers work at the same level of urgency and expertise. If you’re looking for a new provider, transitioning to a more capable team could be easier than you think.

In the world of mergers and acquisitions, you have to strike when the iron is hot.

When a window of opportunity opens and all parties are in agreement, there’s no time to waste. And when the clock is ticking, you need a quick and efficient escrow team – one you can count on to do whatever it takes to meet tight deadlines and preempt delays or complications.

If you’re an M&A attorney not fully satisfied with the way your escrow transactions are being handled, you don’t have to keep working with a less-than-ideal provider. In fact, working with our capable team at U.S. Bank is as simple as five easy steps.

1.  Reach out and initiate the process.

The last thing you want when finalizing a deal is for all that built-up momentum to grind to a standstill in the escrow phase. Long before it gets to that point, it’s important to ask yourself if your current escrow provider is up for the task. Are they responsive and easy to work with? Are they meeting all your needs?

If not, it’s probably time to reevaluate that partnership.

By partnering with U.S. Bank, you’ll benefit from a readily available M&A escrow service team. Whether you’re working late into the evening or throughout the weekend, we’re here when you need us. In fact, our team is available 7 days a week across all U.S. time zones and can close deals in as little as 48 hours if necessary, depending on KYC and the terms of your agreement.

The transition is simple. Simply contact us to initiate a dialogue, and our escrow team will get the process started.

2.  Understand the necessary KYC requirements.

Know your customer (KYC) rules can present a significant hurdle within the onboarding stage. Given the regulatory environment of the last few years, it takes a certain amount of expertise to meet all necessary compliance requirements. It’s crucial to find a resourceful partner that will engage with parties and their counsel to articulate, collect and process the required information and respond to issues or questions that arise.

At U.S. Bank, we’re here to make KYC more streamlined with end-to-end onboarding services and an efficient, online process to keep your deals moving forward. We coordinate with all internal and external stakeholders when onboarding new escrow accounts, and we offer an online portal where forms can be submitted electronically. We’ll walk you through each step, while providing ongoing support with document gathering and account approval.

3.  Complete the escrow agreement.

Whether your transaction is large or small, simple or complex, we’re committed to making your tasks as smooth and streamlined as possible. We provide a wide library of standardized forms and templates you can use to start your escrow agreement – designed to fit nearly every possible need. We’re also willing to work with you to establish a standard agreement that can alleviate extra review time for future transactions.

We also assign a dedicated contact to provide assistance, negotiate the necessary agreements for U.S. Bank and finalize the documents. Once this has been completed, you’re ready to close.

4.  Coordinate the signatures and closing.

We designed our closing process to be as user-friendly and accommodating as possible. We’re able to accept DocuSign, electronic signatures or emailed scans of traditional signatures. In addition, we can provide our escrow agent signatures to counsel to hold in escrow so they’re immediately available when you need them.

On the day of the deal closing, you’ll receive timely, accurate notifications as to when the funds are received into the escrow account.

5.  Oversee the disbursements.

Our specialized product operations team helps accelerate the disbursement process. We offer same-day funding directly from your U.S. Bank escrow account, with expedited funding through incoming wires. Disbursements can be delivered through a variety of channels, including ACH and wire transfers.

Security is also a high priority; we have measures in place to protect your client’s escrow from fraudulent activity.

At U.S. Bank, we offer comprehensive solutions for all your M&A escrow needs. From the unrivaled availability and experience of our specialized team to our continuous investments in technology solutions, we’re here to help your deal close smoothly, securely and on time.

Visit our website to learn more about our escrow services or contact Lars Anderson at lars.anderson@usbank.com.