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 initial step in selling a business, whether you solicit one or simply receive one spontaneously. In addition to securing a prospective buyer, purchase agents in New Martinsville can lend advice about which offers are worthwhile to consider. The purchaser might want financial records to be updated in accordance with West Virginia 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. Normally 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. Because the right of control is separable, the buyer of a business in New Martinsville may not be interested in other rights within the company. Actually, control is normally 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 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?

The advice of a local Lawyer practicing in New Martinsville will make it much easier to ensure the sale of your business is in compliance with West Virginia law.