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 Maine laws that govern mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges.

How Do I Sell a Business?

An offer is the initial step in selling a business, whether you solicit one or simply receive one spontaneously. In addition to securing a prospective buyer, purchase agents in Bath can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with Maine and Federal law. This might be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Finally, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it may also controls what is done with business property. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Bath to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers regularly leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. These particularities make negotiations essential, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The law in Maine places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Lawyers in Bath are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.