Buying a Business in Florida

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

Federal and Florida law concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange sometimes come into play during the purchase of a business

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

A buyer of a business in Leon County gains a right called "control", which is the right to direct the business operations as they see fit. Control involves ownership of the business assets and customers, along with the company's 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". The process of due diligence uses Federal and Florida guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. 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?

Control of a business is sold for an amount that is necessary for a party to acquire an ownership stake. The value of the business property and the type of business factor in to determine the exact price. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Florida. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Leon County Attorney Help?

The laws in Florida place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Leon County, Florida can inform you of the particularities of your investment as it relates to local law, as well as advise you of the least costly route to acquiring control.