After years of work in a business, it can be quite profitable to sell it. Being acquired by a larger company is something that many hope for. The sale can be complicated, however. There are Federal and North Dakota laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges that must be followed.

How Do I Sell a Business?

The first step in selling a Bismarck business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with North Dakota and Federal law. This may be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Usually a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it can also controls what is done with business property. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Bismarck may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is usually cheaper to purchase without other rights such as the right to future earnings. Sometimes buyers negotiate to allow those right to remain with the seller. Negotiations during the sales process are essential, and they should be used as an opportunity to voice fully each party's intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

In selling a business, the seller must meet the requirements of North Dakota law. A local Attorney practicing in Bismarck will be able to advise you about your particular sale.