Buying a Business in Maryland

Investing in a business can be advantageous 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?

A buyer of a business in Montgomery County gains a right called "control", which is the right to direct the business operations as they see fit. Control involves ownership of the business assets and customers, along with the company's debts. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer gains this understanding. Through due diligence, federal and Maryland guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. However, the best informed decision about whether to buy the business can only be obtained through obedience to the due diligence process. Added benefits also include a smoother transition once the business is purchased.

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. There are specific laws in Maryland that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Montgomery County Attorney Help?

In Maryland, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney knowledgeable in Maryland law practicing in Montgomery County can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.