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 sometimes 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 acquires all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed 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 Maine guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. 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?

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 Maine 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 Vassalboro Attorney Help?

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