Buying a Business in Louisiana

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

There are Federal and Louisiana laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange that may impact the purchase of a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

If a party wants to direct business operations, the best way is to acquire a right called "control". With control of a business, the party gains all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed 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 acquired through a process known as "due diligence". The process of due diligence uses Federal and Louisiana guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party might be found in breach of a legal duty. However, obedience to the process of due diligence leads to a better informed decision about purchasing the business. And afterwards, it may also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

Control of a business is sold for an amount that is necessary for a party to acquire an ownership stake. The value of the business property and the type of business factor in to determine the exact price. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Louisiana. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Caddo Parish Attorney Help?

Louisiana poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Lawyers practicing in Caddo Parish are experienced in Louisiana law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.