Buying a Business in Virginia

The investing in a business can be the shortest route to a great return. Individuals and companies seeking to buy businesses should be aware of the complications that can arise, however.

Particular regulations concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may be implicated when you buy a business. These areas are all governed by Federal and Virginia law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

Purchasing a business in Lexington is gaining the right to direct business operations. When a party directs operations as they see fit, their right is called ?control? of the business. Like ownership, control includes the right to all the property of the business as well as the assumption of the business debts. Accordingly, the party purchasing 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. Through due diligence, federal and Virginia guidelines are used to inform both parties, and there may be legal consequences for not following these guidelines properly. However, the best informed decision about whether to buy the business can only be obtained through obedience to the due diligence process. Added benefits also include a smoother transition once the business is bought.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The cost of a business mostly depends on how much ownership stake is required for control. The value of the business property and the type of business are also important factors. The procedure for how the right of control can be transferred or modified is defined by particular laws in Virginia. Procedures may make buying a business more or less expensive than simply the market value of its assets.

How Can a Lexington Attorney Help?

In Virginia, the law poses requirements for a party purchasing a business to fulfill. An attorney experienced in Virginia law practicing in Lexington can help you comply with these laws and acquire control of the business you want to buy as cheaply as possible.