Buying a Business in Virginia

The investing in a business can be the fastest route to a great return. Individuals and companies hoping 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 Marion 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. In the process of due diligence, Federal and Virginia guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. Following the procedure of due diligence faithfully, however, leads to a better informed decision about the purchase of the business. It can also help the ownership transfer to go more smoothly.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

The price of a business depends on the value of the ownership stake that is necessary to exert control, and this in turn is determined somewhat by the value of the business property and the type of business. There are particular laws in Virginia that dictate procedure for how the right of control of a company can be transferred and modified, and these procedures may make buying the business cheaper or more expensive, depending on a variety of factors.

How Can a Marion Attorney Help?

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