Selling a business after years of work can be extremely profitable. Many businesses are created with the hopes that they will one day be acquired by a larger firm. The process of selling your business can be complex, however. Federal and California laws over mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges may be important in the transaction.

How Do I Sell a Business?

Obviously, the first step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Hillsborough, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with California 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. Lastly, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and can use the business property as it sees fit. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Hillsborough to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers often leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. Negotiations become vital in light of these particularities, and each party should use negotiations as an opportunity to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Parties who want to sell businesses must meet the requirements of California law. Ensuring that the sale is proper is much simpler with the advice of a local Attorney practicing in Hillsborough.