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 Pinellas 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. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer gains this understanding. 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. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to buy a business. Also if the business is eventually bought, transfers of ownership happen much more easily once the process is followed.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business may add to the price as well. 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 Pinellas County Attorney Help?

There are unique requirements in Florida that a party purchasing a business must fulfill. In Pinellas County, an attorney knowledgeable in Florida law can inform you about the peculiarities of your investment and outline the cheapest way for you to purchase control.