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 process of selling your business can be complex, however. Federal and South Dakota laws over mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges may be important in the transaction.

How Do I Sell a Business?

The first step in selling a Pierre business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with South Dakota and Federal law. This may be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. As a final step, an agreement for the purchase will be reached, usually in the form of a written contract. It should be reviewed by all parties to ensure that what was agreed upon is accurately presented.

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 Pierre to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers generally leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. These particularities make negotiations vital, during which each party should use the opportunity to voice their intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

In selling a business, the seller must meet the requirements of South Dakota law. A local Attorney practicing in Pierre will be able to advise you about your particular sale.