Buying a Business in Massachusetts

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

Federal and Massachusetts law concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange occasionally come into play during the purchase of a business

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

When someone purchases a business in Chelsea, they are actually gaining the right to direct business operations as they see fit. This right is called ?control? of the business. Control entails ownership of all the assets and customer base of the business, but it also includes the responsibility for that company?s debts and liabilities. 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 acquires this understanding. The process of due diligence uses Federal and Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Chelsea Attorney Help?

The laws in Massachusetts place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Chelsea, Massachusetts can inform you of the particularities of your investment as it relates to local law, as well as advise you of the least costly route to acquiring control.