Buying a Business in Washington

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.

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 Washington law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in Covington is actually the purchasing of a right called "control". With this right, a party can direct business operations as it sees fit, it acquires ownership of business assets, and it assumes liability for all business 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 acquires this understanding. In the process of due diligence, Federal and Washington guidelines are used to inform both parties. If there is a violation from these guidelines, one party may be held legally accountable. However, due diligence will lead to a better informed decision concerning whether you want to purchase the business. Also, it will help the business to transition more smoothly to new ownership.

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

How Can a Covington Attorney Help?

The laws in Washington place many unique demands on parties seeking to purchase businesses. An attorney in Covington, Washington can inform you of the particularities of your investment as it relates to local law, as well as advise you of the least costly route to acquiring control.