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 Tennessee laws over mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges may be important in the transaction.

How Do I Sell a Business?

Obviously, the initial step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Shelby County, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with Tennessee and Federal law. This might be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Finally, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

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 may use the business property as it sees fit. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Shelby County may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is typically cheaper to purchase without other rights such as the right to future earnings. Sometimes buyers negotiate to allow those right to remain with the seller. 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?

The advice of a local Lawyer practicing in Shelby County will make it much easier to ensure the sale of your business is in compliance with Tennessee law.