Buying a Business in California

Purchasing a business can be an beneficial investment for both individuals and companies. However, the transaction is much more complicated than a traditional purchase.

There are Federal and California laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange that may impact the purchase of a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in Petaluma is actually the purchasing of a right called "control". With this right, a party can direct business operations as it sees fit, it acquires ownership of business assets, and it assumes liability for all business debts. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer acquires this understanding. Through due diligence, federal and California guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. However, obedience to the process of due diligence leads to a better informed decision about purchasing the business. And afterwards, it may also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price of a business depends on the value of the ownership stake that is necessary to exert control, and this in turn is determined somewhat by the value of the business property and the type of business. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in California. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Petaluma Attorney Help?

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