Selling a business after years of work can be extremely profitable. Many businesses are created with the hopes that they will one day be acquired by a larger firm. The process of selling a business is rarely a simple one, however. Federal and Iowa laws govern the areas of mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges, and they must be followed for the transaction to have legal effect.

How Do I Sell a Business?

Obviously, the first step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Chariton, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. Determining the correct value for the rights you are selling is critical in this process. To do this, financial statements must be updated and prepared to comply with Iowa and Federal law. Typically a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and can use the business property as it sees fit. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Chariton to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers often leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. Because of the wide variety of different concerns buyers may have, negotiations are vital. Each party should voice their intents and concerns during this process.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The law in Iowa places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Attorneys in Chariton are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.