Buying a Business in Washington

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.

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 Washington law.

What Parts of the Business Am I Buying?

The purchase of a business in Lacey is actually the buying 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 gains this understanding. Federal and Washington guidelines define the process of due diligence, and sometimes legal consequences arise when these procedures are not followed 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?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business may add to the price as well. There are specific laws in Washington 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 Lacey Attorney Help?

There are unique requirements in Washington that a party purchasing a business must fulfill. In Lacey, an attorney knowledgeable in Washington law can inform you about the peculiarities of your investment and outline the cheapest way for you to purchase control.