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 particular 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 purchases a business in Hancock, 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 acquires this understanding. In the process of due diligence, Federal and Michigan guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to purchase a business. Also if the business is eventually bought, transfers of ownership happen much more easily once the process is followed.

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. There are particular laws in Michigan 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 Hancock Attorney Help?

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