Are you considering buying a business?
If you’re considering purchasing a company, it’s critical to take the proper steps. While buying a business is a great way to take advantage of an already established brand, trained employees, and working systems, there are also many other things to consider. You must establish how you can grow and scale the already existing company, understand the industry it is in, and how it has a competitive edge over other organizations.
Buying an existing business is a lot less risky than starting a new one, but there are things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
Things to Consider When Buying a Business
Before you go ahead and purchase a company, you must first understand the ins and outs of the entire organization. Is it profitable? Does it have a loyal and established customer base? Is it in debt? These are all critical questions to ask before making such a big purchase.
Here are a few more tips.
Do Your Research
Before buying a business, it is critical to complete your due diligence. You must understand what you’re getting into before you purchase a company. Do research to confirm that your purchase will turn into a successful venture.
Find out as much as possible about the company, including its value, customer base, reputation, and any debts it may have. You should also find out if the company has any legal liabilities, lawsuits, judgments, or liens against it before purchasing it.
Financials
What do you know about the business’s financial history? Is the company in debt? Does it have any cash flow? What do you know about the company’s profits, expenses, or sales?
This is all critical information that can give you a better picture of whether purchasing the company is in your best interest. If the company is in debt or is suffering to keep its head above water, you will have to invest a significant amount of time and resources to keep it afloat, which could result in a devastating financial loss.
Market Research
How well do you know the industry the business is in? What are future trends looking like? Does the company have a competitive advantage over others in the same industry? What kind of customer base is there? Be sure to do your market research, talk to other people familiar with the industry, and get a firm grasp of where the company stands.
Understand the Customers
How satisfied are the company’s customers? What are their customers like? How do their customers perceive them?
Find out how customers perceive the company and how they use the product.
Reputation
Do a Google search and see how customers review the company’s products or services. Search up any news stories or legal issues that have occurred. Is there anything that could negatively impact you in the future?
Why You Should Consider Buying a Business
Buying a company is a great way to build on an already profitable and successful business. Consolidating business interests can also lead to growth and new business opportunities. Buying an existing company also involves much less risk than starting one.
Starting a new business takes a lot of resources, work, and money. In fact, most startups fail in the first five years. When you purchase an already established company, it already has a solid foundation you can work with. The company already has brand recognition which takes most startups years to build. You don’t have to start from scratch.
Because you already have a strong foundation and a solid customer base, you get instant sales – which means instant profits. There’s no tossing and turning at night worrying about marketing a new brand, hiring and training new employees, and implementing processes that may or may not work.
If you’re planning on buying a business, here’s a quick rundown of what you should do:
- Determine your price and budget
- Decide how to structure your purchase
- Sign a letter of intent
- Complete your due diligence
- Complete a purchase agreement
- Close the deal
Considering Buying a Business? We Can Help
A lot of things go into buying a business. It is critical to seek help from an experienced business lawyer who can walk you through the ins and outs of buying a company to make sure you are making the right decision for you and your future.
At Contiguglia Law Firm, we help clients with all issues related to business law. Located in Denver, Colorado, and assisting people in the surrounding areas, we are here to help answer all your legal questions. Whether you own a small business, want to buy an existing one, run a family business, are closing one, or are just starting one, our team is here to help.
We can provide you with customized solutions to all legal issues related to your business, including preparing contracts, buying or selling your business, negotiating contracts, and more.
Your decisions today could impact you for years to come — with good or bad results. Hiring a legal expert can help ensure your business runs smoothly while also protecting you from disastrous errors. Need a lawyer for your family business? Call 303-780-7333 or schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
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