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?

Obviously, the first step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Waterloo, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. During this process, the financial records must be updated and prepared in strict accordance with New York and Federal law. The reliability of these methods is crucial in determining the proper value for the rights you are selling. A formal contracts will likely be written to solidify the sales agreement. Careful review of this agreement is necessary so that all concerns voiced during negotiations are accurately presented.

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 Waterloo may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are usually looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. These particularities make negotiations vital, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

The law in New York places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Attorneys in Waterloo are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.