Buying a Business in Missouri

Buying a business can be a worthwhile investment, but whether it is purchased by an individual or another company, the transaction is complicated.

Specific regulations concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may be implicated when you buy a business. These areas are all governed by Federal and Missouri law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

Buying a business in Greene County is gaining the right to direct business operations. When a party directs operations as they see fit, their right is called ?control? of the business. Like ownership, control includes the right to all the property of the business as well as the assumption of the business debts. 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". The process of due diligence uses Federal and Missouri guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. Following the process of due diligence dutifully is the best way to inform oneself for whether to buy a business. Also if the business is eventually bought, transfers of ownership happen much more easily once the process is followed.

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. There are specific laws in Missouri that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Greene County Attorney Help?

In Missouri, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney knowledgeable in Missouri law practicing in Greene County can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.