Buying a Business in Virginia

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

Specific 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?

A buyer of a business in Petersburg gains a right called "control", which is the right to direct the business operations as they see fit. Control involves ownership of the business assets and customers, along with the company's debts. To balance the positives and negatives, the party buying a business must get a complete picture of the financial position of the business. Through a process called "due diligence", a buyer gains this understanding. 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 purchased.

How Much Will the Business Cost?

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

How Can a Petersburg Attorney Help?

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