It can be quite profitable to sell a business after years of work. The hopes of one day being acquired by a larger firm are shared by many businesses. The process of selling a business is rarely a simple one, however. Federal and Michigan laws govern the areas of mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges, and they must be followed for the transaction to have legal effect.

How Do I Sell a Business?

The initial step in selling a Rochester business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. Preparing financial records to comply with Michigan and Federal law is imperative and will help determine the proper value for the rights you are selling. As a final step, an agreement for the purchase will be reached, typically in the form of a written contract. It should be reviewed by all parties to ensure that what was agreed upon is accurately presented.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it may also controls what is done with business property. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Rochester to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers regularly leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. These particularities make negotiations essential, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Michigan law places certain requirements on parties selling a business. Making the sale run properly and smoothly is much easier with the advice of a local Lawyer practicing in Rochester.