Buying a Business in Pennsylvania

Buying 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.

Buying a business sometimes involves laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges. These fields are governed by Pennsylvania and Federal law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

When someone buys a business in Lancaster County, they are actually gaining the right to direct business operations as they see fit. This right is called ?control? of the business. Control entails ownership of all the assets and customer base of the business, but it also includes the responsibility for that company?s debts and liabilities. 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. Federal and Pennsylvania guidelines define the process of due diligence, and sometimes legal consequences arise when these procedures are not followed properly. Following the process 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?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business may add to the price as well. 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 Lancaster County Attorney Help?

Pennsylvania poses unique demands that a party purchasing a business must meet. Attorneys practicing in Lancaster County are knowledgeable in Pennsylvania law, and can find the cheapest way for you to purchase control of a business.