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 Dedham, 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. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to purchase 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?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business might add to the price as well. 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 Dedham Attorney Help?

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