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. However, selling a business is rarely a simple affair. Parties to the purchase of a business must comply with Federal and Florida laws that govern mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges.

How Do I Sell a Business?

Obviously, the initial step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Cocoa, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. Deciding the correct value for the rights you are selling is critical in this process. To do this, financial statements must be updated and prepared to comply with Florida and Federal law. A formal contracts will likely be written to solidify the sales agreement. Careful review of this agreement is crucial so that all concerns voiced during negotiations are accurately presented.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and may use the business property as it sees fit. The buyer of a business in Cocoa may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are typically looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. Negotiations become essential in light of these particularities, and each party should use negotiations as an opportunity to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The law in Florida places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Lawyers in Cocoa are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.