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 St. Augustine Beach can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with Florida and Federal law. This might be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Finally, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it may also controls what is done with business property. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in St. Augustine Beach to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers regularly leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. These particularities make negotiations essential, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice their 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 St. Augustine Beach.