Buying a Business in Michigan

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

There are specific laws in Michigan and the US that concern negotiations, mergers, acquisitions and securities exchanges. You may need to consider how these laws impact your situation before you buy a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

When someone buys a business in Genesee 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. 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. In the process of due diligence, Federal and Michigan guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a deviation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to buy the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price 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 process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Michigan. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Genesee County Attorney Help?

Michigan poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Attorneys practicing in Genesee County are knowledgeable in Michigan law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.