Buying a Business in Pennsylvania

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

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 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 acquires all assets and the customer base of the business, plus it also assumed the company's debts. To make his decision, a buyer will want a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a company's financials become clear. 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. However, obedience to the process of due diligence leads to a better informed decision about buying the business. And afterwards, it may also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

Control of a business is sold for an amount that is necessary for a party to acquire an ownership stake. The value of the business property and the type of business factor in to determine the exact price. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in Pennsylvania. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Dauphin County Attorney Help?

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