Buying a Business in Alabama

Buying a business can be an advantageous investment for both individuals and companies. However, the transaction is much more complicated than an usual purchase.

Buying a business sometimes involves laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges. These fields are governed by Alabama and Federal law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in Pelham is actually the buying 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. 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". In the process of due diligence, Federal and Alabama guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a deviation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. 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?

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

How Can a Pelham Attorney Help?

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