Buying a Business in Alaska

Buying a business can be an advantageous investment for both individuals and companies. However, the transaction is much more complicated than an usual purchase.

Buying a business sometimes involves laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges. These fields are governed by Alaska and Federal law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

A buyer of a business in Anchorage County gains a right called "control", which is the right to direct the business operations as they see fit. Control involves ownership of the business assets and customers, along with the company's debts. In order to protect the interests of all parties, there must be an accurate and complete picture of the financial position of the business. This picture of the company's financials is gained through a process known as "due diligence". Federal and Alaska guidelines are used in the process of due diligence, and not following these guidelines can lead to legal consequences. However, obedience to the process of due diligence leads to a better informed decision about buying the business. And afterwards, it may also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

Control of a business is sold for an amount that is necessary for a party to acquire an ownership stake. The value of the business property and the type of business factor in to determine the exact price. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Alaska. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Anchorage County Attorney Help?

In Alaska, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney knowledgeable in Alaska law practicing in Anchorage County can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.