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 West Virginia laws concerning mergers, acquisitions, negotiations and securities exchanges that must be followed.

How Do I Sell a Business?

An offer is the first step in selling a business, whether you solicit one or simply receive one spontaneously. In addition to securing a prospective buyer, purchase agents in Keyser can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser may want financial records to be updated in accordance with West Virginia and Federal law. This may be required by law in some cases, and besides, it always helps in determining the correct value for the rights you are selling. Lastly, an agreement will be reached in the form of a written contract. All parties should review the contract to ensure that it reflects a complete understanding of what the parties have agreed.

What Will I Give Up in the Business?

The sale of a business is simply the transfer of a right known as "control". The party with control of a business directs its operations and can use the business property as it sees fit. The buyer of a business in Keyser may be interested only in control of the business, and other rights within the company may not be as important. Buyers are normally looking for the cheapest route to control, and this may allow the seller to retain other rights such as the right to future earnings. Negotiations during the sales process are essential, and they should be used as an opportunity to voice fully each party's intentions and concerns.

How Can an Attorney Help?

West Virginia law places certain requirements on parties selling a business. Making the sale run properly and smoothly is much easier with the advice of a local Attorney practicing in Keyser.