Selling a business can be quite profitable after years of work invested. Many businesses look forward to one day being bought by larger firms. The sale can be complicated, however. There are Federal and Rhode Island laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges that must be followed.

How Do I Sell a Business?

To sell a business there must be an offer, whether it is solicited or not. Purchase agents in Westerly not only help to secure an offer, but also lends advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. Determining the correct value for the rights you are selling is critical in this process. To do this, financial statements must be updated and prepared to comply with Rhode Island and Federal law. Typically a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and can use the business property as it sees fit. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Westerly to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers often leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. Negotiations during the sales process are essential, and they should be used as an opportunity to voice fully each party's intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Parties who want to sell businesses must meet the requirements of Rhode Island law. Ensuring that the sale is proper is much simpler with the advice of a local Attorney practicing in Westerly.