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 normal 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 Pleasanton 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. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to purchase a business. Also if the business is eventually bought, transfers of ownership happen much more easily once the process is followed.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The cost of a business mostly depends on how much ownership stake is required for control. The value of the business property and the type of business are also important factors. There are particular laws in California that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Pleasanton Attorney Help?

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