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 St. Johns 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, usually 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. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in St. Johns may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is usually cheaper to purchase without other rights such as the right to future earnings. Sometimes buyers negotiate to allow those right to remain with the seller. Because of the wide variety of different concerns buyers may have, negotiations are essential. Each party should voice their intents and concerns during this process.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The advice of a local Lawyer practicing in St. Johns will make it much easier to ensure the sale of your business is in compliance with Michigan law.