Buying a Business in California

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

There are Federal and California laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange that may impact the purchase of a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in Pacific Grove 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". Federal and California guidelines define the process of due diligence, and sometimes legal consequences arise when these procedures are not followed properly. 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 California. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Pacific Grove Attorney Help?

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