Buying a Business in Maryland

Investing in a business can be profitable 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 Baltimore 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. However, obedience to the process of due diligence leads to a better informed decision about buying the business. And afterwards, it may also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

How much a business will cost depends on the type of business, how much ownership stake you need to assert control, and the value of the business property. 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 Baltimore County Attorney Help?

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