Buying a Business in Massachusetts

Investing in a business can be profitable 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 Winthrop, 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. Accordingly, the party purchasing a business will want a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", the financials of the company are disclosed. 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, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to purchase the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

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 Winthrop Attorney Help?

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