Buying a Business in Montana

Buying a business can be a worthwhile investment, but whether it is purchased by an individual or another company, the transaction is complicated.

Specific regulations concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may be implicated when you buy a business. These areas are all governed by Federal and Montana law.

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. 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 gains this understanding. The process of due diligence uses Federal and Montana guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. 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?

The price 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. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Montana. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Missoula Attorney Help?

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