Buying a Business in Montana

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

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

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

If a party wants to direct business operations, the best way is to acquire a right called "control". With control of a business, the party gains all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed the company's 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 acquires this understanding. Through due diligence, federal and Montana guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. However, the best informed decision about whether to buy the business can only be obtained through obedience to the due diligence process. Added benefits also include a smoother transition once the business is bought.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The cost 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. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Montana. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Columbia Falls Attorney Help?

The laws in Montana place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Columbia Falls, Montana can inform you of the particularities of your investment as it relates to local law, as well as advise you of the least costly route to acquiring control.