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. The sale can be complicated, however. There are Federal and Wisconsin laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges that must be followed.

How Do I Sell a Business?

The first step in selling a Cottage Grove business is soliciting an offer. A purchase agent can help you find prospective buyers, as well as advise you concerning whether offers that you receive are worth consideration. Determining the correct value for the rights you are selling is critical in this process. To do this, financial statements must be updated and prepared to comply with Wisconsin and Federal law. Typically 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?

Essentially, the sale of a business entails the passing of a right known as ?control?. With control of a business, a party may direct its operations and dispose of its property as it sees fit. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in Cottage Grove may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is typically 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 Wisconsin places certain demands on parties who want to sell a business. Attorneys in Cottage Grove are qualified to advise you in this process and ensure that the sale is in compliance with the law.