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 Ventura 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. Accordingly, the party purchasing 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. In the process of due diligence, Federal and California guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. 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 cost 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 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 Ventura County Attorney Help?

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