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 Eldridge, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. Preparing financial records to comply with Iowa and Federal law is essential and will help determine the proper value for the rights you are selling. Lastly, 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 can also controls what is done with business property. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Eldridge may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is typically cheaper to purchase without other rights such as the right to future earnings. Sometimes buyers negotiate to allow those right to remain with the seller. The wide variety of concerns that buyers may have make the negotiations process particularly vital. It's important at the beginning for each party to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

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