Buying a Business in Louisiana

Investing in a business can be beneficial for companies and private parties. The transaction can be complicated, however.

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

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

If a party wants to direct business operations, the best way is to acquire a right called "control". With control of a business, the party acquires all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed 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". The process of due diligence uses Federal and Louisiana guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. Following the process of due diligence faithfully, however, leads to a better informed decision about the purchase of the business. It can also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business may add to the price as well. There are specific laws in Louisiana 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 Baker Attorney Help?

Louisiana poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Attorneys practicing in Baker are knowledgeable in Louisiana law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.