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 Anne Arundel County 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. Normally 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 right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Anne Arundel County to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers often leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. Because of the wide variety of different concerns buyers may have, negotiations are vital. Each party should voice their intents and concerns during this process.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The law in Maryland places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Attorneys in Anne Arundel County are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.