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. The process of selling a business is rarely a simple one, however. Federal and New York 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?

The first step in selling an Old Bethpage business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. 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 New York and Federal law. Normally a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

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. The buyer of a business in Old Bethpage may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are normally looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. The wide variety of concerns that buyers may have make the negotiations process particularly vital. It's important at the start for each party to make plain their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

New York 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 Old Bethpage.