It can be quite profitable to sell a business after years of work. The hopes of one day being acquired by a larger firm are shared by many businesses. However, selling a business is rarely a simple affair. Parties to the purchase of a business must comply with Federal and Maryland laws that govern mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges.

How Do I Sell a Business?

The first step in selling an Annapolis business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with Maryland and Federal law. This may be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Typically a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and can use the business property as it sees fit. The buyer of a business in Annapolis may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are typically looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. The wide variety of concerns that buyers may have make the negotiations process particularly vital. It's important at the beginning for each party to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Maryland law places certain requirements on parties selling a business. Making the sale run properly and smoothly is much easier with the advice of a local Attorney practicing in Annapolis.