Selling your business - Let us help you get a good deal, so you can retire to your beach house!

The legal pillars of a successful business sale

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Step 1:Preparing for the sale

  • Choosing the Right Time to Sell

    When it comes to selling your business, timing is everything. Factors such as market conditions, industry trends, and your personal circumstances can all influence the timing of your sale. It's important to carefully consider these factors and choose a time when you can maximize the value of your business.

  • Before putting your business on the market, it's important to determine its fair market value. A business valuation can help you determine the worth of your business and ensure that you receive a fair price. A qualified appraiser can help you conduct a thorough valuation that takes into account your business's financials, assets, and growth potential.

  • To make your business more attractive to potential buyers, you may need to clean up your operations, finances, and legal affairs. This may include organizing your financial records, resolving any legal disputes, and addressing any outstanding debts or liabilities. A lawyer can help you identify and resolve any issues that may make your business less attractive to buyers.

Step 2: Negotiating the sale

  • Marketing Your Business

    Once you've prepared your business for sale, it's time to start marketing it to potential buyers. You may want to enlist the help of a business broker or a marketing professional to create a marketing plan and reach out to potential buyers. It's important to target buyers who have a genuine interest in your business and can offer a fair price.

  • When you receive offers from potential buyers, it's important to negotiate the terms of the sale. This may include the purchase price, payment terms, and other details of the transaction. A lawyer can help you navigate the negotiation process and ensure that the terms of the sale are favorable to you.

  • Once you've reached an agreement with a buyer, it's time to draft a sale agreement. This document will outline the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, payment terms, and any contingencies or warranties. A lawyer can help you draft a clear and comprehensive sale agreement that protects your interests.

Step 3: Closing the Sale

  • Conducting Due Diligence

    Before closing the sale, the buyer will likely conduct due diligence to ensure that the business is as represented and free of any undisclosed issues. This may involve reviewing financial records, legal documents, and other relevant information. A lawyer can help you prepare for due diligence and ensure that the buyer has access to all necessary information.

  • Once due diligence is complete, it's time to transfer ownership of the business to the buyer. This may involve transferring ownership of assets, transferring licenses and permits, and other administrative tasks. A lawyer can help you navigate the transfer process and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed correctly.

  • Even after the sale is complete, there may be post-closing issues that arise. This may include disputes over the sale agreement, tax issues, or other legal matters. A lawyer can help you resolve any post-closing issues and ensure that the sale is completed successfully.

Disclaimer: This article should not be relied upon for legal advice. Always seek professional legal advice before making any decisions regarding your business.