Buying a Business in Pennsylvania

Purchasing a business can yield great profits in the future. However, individuals and companies seeking to buy businesses should be aware of the complications of the transaction.

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 Pennsylvania 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. A complete picture of the financial position of the business is important for the purchaser to make his decision. This picture is acquired through a process called "due diligence". Through due diligence, federal and Pennsylvania guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. Following the procedure of due diligence faithfully, however, leads to a better informed decision about the purchase of the business. It can also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price of a business depends on the value of the ownership stake that is necessary to exert control, and this in turn is determined somewhat by the value of the business property and the type of business. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Pennsylvania. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Bradford Attorney Help?

There are unique requirements in Pennsylvania that a party purchasing a business must fulfill. In Bradford, an attorney experienced in Pennsylvania law can inform you about the peculiarities of your investment and outline the cheapest way for you to gain control.