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?

An offer is the first step in selling a business, whether you solicit one or simply receive one spontaneously. In addition to securing a prospective buyer, purchase agents in Sergeant Bluff can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. In order to determine the proper value for the rights you are selling, financial records 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 buyer of a business in Sergeant Bluff may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are typically looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. These particularities make negotiations vital, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice 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 Sergeant Bluff are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.