Selling a business after years of work can be very 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 initial step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Marin County, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with California and Federal law. This might 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 may also controls what is done with business property. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Marin County to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers frequently leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. 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?

California law places certain requirements on parties selling a business. Making the sale run properly and smoothly is much easier with the advice of a local Lawyer practicing in Marin County.