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 an usual 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 St. Helena 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. Accordingly, the party buying a business will want a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", the financials of the company are disclosed. Through due diligence, federal and California guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. However, the best informed decision about whether to buy the business can only be obtained through obedience to the due diligence process. Added benefits also include a smoother transition once the business is purchased.

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. There are specific laws in California that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a St. Helena Attorney Help?

California poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Attorneys practicing in St. Helena are knowledgeable in California law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.