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?

An offer is the initial step in selling a business, whether you solicit one or simply receive one spontaneously. In addition to securing a prospective buyer, purchase agents in Longboat Key can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. During this process, the financial records must be updated and prepared in strict accordance with Florida and Federal law. The reliability of these methods is necessary in determining the proper value for the rights you are selling. Typically a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

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. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Longboat Key may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is typically cheaper to purchase without other rights such as the right to future earnings. Sometimes buyers negotiate to allow those right to remain with the seller. Negotiations during the sales process are essential, and they should be used as an opportunity to voice fully each party's intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Florida law places certain requirements on parties selling a business. Making the sale run properly and smoothly is much easier with the advice of a local Lawyer practicing in Longboat Key.