Sarasota Business Transaction Lawyer
Are you looking to buy or sell a business in Florida? A qualified Sarasota business transactions lawyer can help you at all stages of the process. Our attorneys at Suncoast Civil Law have experience representing buyers and sellers in multiple kinds of businesses. We understand how to make these transactions go smoothly as possible–and just as importantly, how to deal with any unforeseen problems that may arise.
If You Are Buying a Business
Many people choose to buy a business rather than start one from scratch. After all, an existing business has no startup costs and there are assets that can be put to use immediately. But purchasing a business is not without risk, which is why you should never enter into a business transaction without competent legal assistance.
A Sarasota business transactions attorney is there to help you negotiate the terms of a purchase agreement for an existing business. In addition, our attorneys will help you perform due diligence–to make sure you identify and address potential problems before the sale is completed. This often includes obtaining an independent appraisal of the business and reviewing the seller’s financial records. And even if the business itself is in good shape, there may be other legal issues–such as licensing, permits, and zoning regulations–that must be taken care of before you close the sale and assume control.
If You Are Selling a Business
Sellers need just as much legal help as buyers when it comes to business transactions. In some cases a seller may not want to sell their entire business, only certain parts of it. Our attorneys can assist you with all of the details of negotiating a sale that meets your exact needs.
Beyond negotiating terms, sellers must be keenly aware of the tax implications of a business sale. You will need help dealing with the IRS, as well as Florida and local authorities, to ensure you meet all of your tax obligations. Our attorneys can assist you with this and any other legal matters that arise as a consequence of the sale. Depending on the nature of the business and the parties’ relationship these additional issues may include:
- Obtaining financing for the buyer;
- Negotiating a non-compete agreement to prevent the seller from immediately starting a business to compete against the buyer;
- Establishing a transition period for the seller to train the buyer on the operation of the business;
- Transferring any business-related intellectual property, i.e. trademarks and copyrights, to the buyer; and
- Negotiating separate agreements with key employees to ensure they stay on after the buyer takes over.
Contact a Sarasota Business Transactions Lawyer Today
Whether you need help negotiating a sales contract or just conducting due diligence on a potential acquisition, a Sarasota business transactions attorney is an indispensable partner when it comes to buying or selling a business in Florida. The attorneys at Suncoast Civil Law are eager to assist you. Contact us at 941-366-1800 to schedule a consultation today with one of our experienced business attorneys.