Buying a Business in Iowa

Buying a business can be an advantageous investment for both individuals and companies. However, the transaction is much more complicated than a traditional purchase.

There are specific laws in Iowa and the US that concern negotiations, mergers, acquisitions and securities exchanges. You may need to consider how these laws impact your situation before you buy a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

A buyer of a business in Marshalltown gains a right called "control", which is the right to direct the business operations as they see fit. Control involves ownership of the business assets and customers, along with 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 gained through a process known as "due diligence". The process of due diligence uses Federal and Iowa guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. Following the process of due diligence faithfully, however, leads to a better informed decision about the purchase of the business. It can also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business may add to the price as well. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Iowa. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Marshalltown Attorney Help?

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