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 South Haven 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 an agreement for the purchase is reached, typically a formal contract will be written. It is important to review such documents before they are signed so that all aspects of the agreement are presented properly.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and may use the business property as it sees fit. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in South Haven 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. Negotiations become essential in light of these particularities, and each party should use negotiations as an opportunity to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Parties who want to sell businesses must meet the requirements of Michigan law. Ensuring that the sale is proper is much simpler with the advice of a local Lawyer practicing in South Haven.