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.

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?

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. A complete picture of the financial position of the business is important for the buyer to make his decision. This picture is gained 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 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 York Attorney Help?

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