Buying & Selling Businesses

If you are buying or selling a business, you are facing one of the most challenging moments in your working life. Each business is unique, and each party has his or her individual goals for the transaction, beyond getting the best price out of the deal. On top of that, buyers and sellers of a business each face different sets of challenges.

Keys to a Successful Transaction.

After you have decided to purchase or sell a business, you need the right team to help you accomplish the transaction and achieve your goals. A buyer will be busy trying to integrate the business operations that he or she is acquiring, and will be reaching out to customers, suppliers and employees. A well run transaction allows the buyer to "hit the ground running" and will help make for a smooth and efficient transition that will help achieve the operational goals on time. The seller on the other hand, will be looking to the future after a deal is struck, and will have a new set of objectives.

Your transaction attorneys should understand your business plan and your business objectives for your transaction. They should have solid transaction experience, with great attention to detail, both for legal and business issues. They should be skilled negotiators who can help you identify and deal with the risks and coordinate financial due diligence. They also should be able to help in securing financing, whether it is in the form of debt or equity financing, such as a private placement, venture capital, or public offering.

A business transaction is a process. Delays cost everyone time and money. Most business owners complete only a single transaction in their business careers. Your transaction attorneys should manage the process to help achieve your goals and close on time.

Some considerations in business purchase or sale: