Buying a Business in Georgia

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 Georgia 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?

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 acquires 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 gains this understanding. In the process of due diligence, Federal and Georgia guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a deviation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to buy the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price of a business depends on the value of the ownership stake that is necessary to exert control, and this in turn is decided somewhat by the value of the business property and the type of business. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Georgia. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Hapeville Attorney Help?

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