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.

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 Washougal 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. 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. Federal and Washington guidelines are used in the process of due diligence, and not using these guidelines can lead to legal consequences. 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?

How much the right of control will cost depends on how much ownership stake is required. The value of the property of the business might add to the price as well. 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 Washougal Attorney Help?

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