Buying a Business in Maine

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

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

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

If a party wants to direct business operations, the best way is to acquire a right called "control". With control of a business, the party gains all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed the company's debts. In order to protect the interests of all parties, there must be an accurate and complete picture of the financial position of the business. This picture of the company's financials is acquired through a process known as "due diligence". In the process of due diligence, Federal and Maine guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. 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 bought.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The cost of a business mostly depends on how much ownership stake is required for control. The value of the business property and the type of business are also important factors. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Maine. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Old Orchard Beach Attorney Help?

The laws in Maine place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Old Orchard Beach, Maine 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.