Buying a Business in Pennsylvania

Purchasing 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.

Purchasing a business occasionally 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?

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. In order to protect the interests of all parties, there must be an accurate and complete picture of the financial position of the business. This picture of the company's financials is acquired through a process known as "due diligence". In the process of due diligence, Federal and Pennsylvania guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. 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?

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. There are particular laws in Pennsylvania that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Washington Attorney Help?

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