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 Petoskey, 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. A complete picture of the financial position of the business is important for the buyer to make his decision. This picture is gained through a process called "due diligence". Federal and Michigan guidelines define the process of due diligence, and sometimes legal consequences arise when these procedures are not followed properly. 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 purchased.

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 Petoskey Attorney Help?

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