Buying a Business in Maryland

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

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

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

When someone buys a business in Anne Arundel County, 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 buying 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 Maryland guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. Following the process of due diligence faithfully, however, leads to a better informed decision about the purchase of the business. It can 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 process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Maryland. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Anne Arundel County Attorney Help?

The laws in Maryland place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Anne Arundel County, Maryland 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.