Buying a Business in California

Purchasing a business can be an beneficial 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 San Joaquin County is actually the purchasing 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. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer acquires this understanding. Federal and California guidelines define the process of due diligence, and occasionally legal consequences arise when these procedures are not followed properly. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to purchase the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

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 determined somewhat by the value of the business property and the type of business. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in California. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a San Joaquin County Attorney Help?

There are unique requirements in California that a party purchasing a business must fulfill. In San Joaquin County, an attorney experienced in California law can inform you about the peculiarities of your investment and outline the cheapest way for you to purchase control.