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?

The purchase of a business in Vandalia is actually the buying of a right called "control". With this right, a party can direct business operations as it sees fit, it acquires ownership of business assets, and it assumes liability for all business debts. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer gains this understanding. Through due diligence, federal and Missouri guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. 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 Vandalia Attorney Help?

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