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 Missouri 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?

Of course, there must be an interested buyer with an offer in order to sell a business. The job of purchase agents in Bridgeton is not only to secure an offer, but they also lend advice about which offers should be considered. Determining the correct value for the rights you are selling is critical in this process. To do this, financial statements must be updated and prepared to comply with Missouri and Federal law. Lastly, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

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 can use the business property as it sees fit. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Bridgeton may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is typically 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. The wide variety of concerns that buyers may have make the negotiations process particularly vital. It's important at the beginning for each party to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

In selling a business, the seller must meet the requirements of Missouri law. A local Attorney practicing in Bridgeton will be able to advise you about your particular sale.