Buying a Business in Illinois

Investing in a business can be profitable for companies and private parties. The transaction can be complicated, however.

Specific regulations concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may be implicated when you buy a business. These areas are all governed by Federal and Illinois law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in St. Charles is actually the buying of a right called "control". With this right, a party can direct business operations as it sees fit, it acquires ownership of business assets, and it assumes liability for all business 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 Illinois guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a deviation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to buy a business. Also if the business is eventually bought, transfers of ownership happen much more easily once the process is followed.

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. There are specific laws in Illinois that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a St. Charles Attorney Help?

In Illinois, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney knowledgeable in Illinois law practicing in St. Charles can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.