Buying a Business in South Dakota

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.

There are Federal and South Dakota laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchange that may impact the purchase of a business.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

When someone buys a business in Watertown, 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. Accordingly, the party buying a business will want a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", the financials of the company are disclosed. The process of due diligence uses Federal and South Dakota guidelines to protect both parties. If these guidelines are not followed, a party may be found in breach of a legal duty. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to buy the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

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. The process for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by specific laws in South Dakota. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Watertown Attorney Help?

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