It can be profitable to sell a business, since years of work invested often make it an attractive buy. Being purchased by a competitor or a larger firm is something many businesses look forward to. Nevertheless, the transaction can be complicated. Certain Virginia and Federal laws governing mergers, acquisitions, negotiations or securities exchanges may come into play during the sale of a business.
How Do I Sell a Business?
Obviously, the first step in selling a business is to either receive an offer or solicit one. In Norfolk, purchase agents do more than simply find buyers. They also lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with Virginia 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. Usually a formal contract will be written as the agreement nears its conclusion. The provisions contained in the contract should present all matters discussed in a fair light, and this requires careful review by both parties.
What Will I Give Up in the Business?
In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it can also controls what is done with business property. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Norfolk may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is usually 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 become vital in light of these particularities, and each party should use negotiations as an opportunity to make plain their intentions and concerns.
How Can an Attorney Help?
The law in Virginia places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Attorneys in Norfolk are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.