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 initial step in selling a Stoughton 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. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with Wisconsin and Federal law. This might be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. 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?

In selling a business, the buyer gains a right known as "control". Control of a business entitles a party to direct its operations and it may also controls what is done with business property. The right of control can be separated easily from the business, and this often leads the buyers in Stoughton to be less interested in other rights within the company. In fact, buyers regularly leave other rights, such as the right to future earnings, with the sellers so that they can acquire control more cheaply. Negotiations become essential 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?

In selling a business, the seller must meet the requirements of Wisconsin law. A local Lawyer practicing in Stoughton will be able to advise you about your particular sale.