Buying a Business in Georgia

Purchasing a business can be an beneficial investment for both individuals and companies. However, the transaction is much more complicated than a normal purchase.

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

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

If a party wants to direct business operations, the best way is to acquire a right called "control". With control of a business, the party gains all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed 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 acquired through a process known as "due diligence". In the process of due diligence, Federal and Georgia guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to purchase 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?

The cost of a business mostly depends on how much ownership stake is required for control. The value of the business property and the type of business are also important factors. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Georgia. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Commerce Attorney Help?

Georgia poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Lawyers practicing in Commerce are experienced in Georgia law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.