After years of work in a business, it can be quite profitable to sell it. Being acquired by a larger company is something that many hope for. Nevertheless, the transaction can be complicated. Certain Missouri and Federal laws governing mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may come into play during the sale of a business.

How Do I Sell a Business?

Obviously, the first step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Platte, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with Missouri and Federal law. This may be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. 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 Platte 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. Negotiations during the sales process are essential, and they should be used as an opportunity to voice fully each party's intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Missouri 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 Attorney practicing in Platte.