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 traditional 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. 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 acquires this understanding. Through due diligence, federal and Georgia guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. 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. There are particular laws in Georgia that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Gainesville Attorney Help?

In Georgia, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney experienced in Georgia law practicing in Gainesville can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.