Acquiring a Business

acquire a business

Considerations for Acquiring a Business (or the assets of a Business)

A Legal Perspective

Embarking on the journey to purchase a business is a significant venture that demands meticulous planning and analysis. Whether you’re eyeing the acquisition of a business or its assets, understanding the intricacies involved is crucial. This process encompasses a thorough examination of the business’s physical assets, financial health, customer relationships, community standing, and competitive positioning. However, navigating this complex terrain shouldn’t be a solitary endeavor. Enlisting professional guidance is paramount, especially if you lack extensive experience in managing or owning a business. Below, we explore key considerations, advantages, and potential drawbacks of purchasing an existing business, aiming to equip you with a comprehensive insight into the due diligence necessary for a successful transaction.

Key Considerations

  • Professional Assistance: Leveraging expert advice from legal, financial, and industry-specific advisors is invaluable. Their expertise can illuminate the nuances of valuation, risk assessment, and negotiation.
  • Financial Due Diligence: A deep dive into the business’s financial statements reveals its fiscal health, profitability trends, and potential financial liabilities.
  • Operational Assessment: Understanding the condition and value of physical assets, inventory quality, and the state of equipment is crucial. Additionally, evaluating the existing business model, operational efficiencies, and workflow can uncover opportunities for improvement or hidden challenges.
  • Market Position and Relationships: Assess the business’s reputation, customer loyalty, supplier relationships, and competitive edge. These factors are pivotal in maintaining business continuity and growth.
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the business adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. This includes verifying licenses, permits, and any pending litigation or legal hurdles.

Advantages of Buying an Existing Business

  • Established Relationships: Inherit valuable connections with customers and suppliers, potentially smoothing the transition and fostering immediate operational continuity.
  • Easier Financing: A track record of profitability enhances the likelihood of securing favorable financing options.
  • Immediate Cash Flow: With existing inventory and operations, you can generate revenue from day one, avoiding the slow ramp-up typical of new ventures.

Disadvantages to Consider

  • Premium Cost: Acquiring an existing business often includes paying for its goodwill, which can inflate the purchase price beyond the cost of starting anew.
  • Underlying Issues: Hidden problems, from operational inefficiencies to legal entanglements, can emerge post-acquisition, affecting the investment’s value.
  • Outdated Assets: The risk of inheriting obsolete inventory or malfunctioning equipment necessitates a thorough pre-purchase evaluation.

Conclusion

Purchasing a business is a pathway fraught with potential rewards and risks. By approaching this venture with a comprehensive understanding of the necessary due diligence and aligning with experienced professionals, you can navigate the complexities of business acquisition with confidence. Our law firm is equipped to guide you through every step of this process, ensuring that your investment is protected and primed for success. 

DUE DILLIGENCE TASKS

When considering the purchase of a business, it’s crucial to ensure that all critical aspects of the operation are transparent and verified. The seller should provide a comprehensive written warranty covering every essential component of the business. This includes affirming the accuracy of financial statements, which should be attached as exhibits, and disclosing any potential hidden liabilities—ranging from tax claims and lawsuits to unpaid supplier bills. A detailed inventory of the purchase should be compiled, encompassing leases, contracts, outstanding supplier debts, customer receivables, inventory, fixtures, equipment, signage, and computer systems, along with any other assets integral to the business’s ongoing success.

Conducting a thorough investigation for any pending or potential legal actions against the company is fundamental to gauge the legal risks associated with the assets you’re planning to acquire. It’s important to understand how any ongoing or future litigation might influence the company’s value, potentially affecting the assets you intend to buy through judgments or settlements.

In the event of an assets-only acquisition, it’s advisable for the Purchase and Sale Agreement to explicitly state that the buyer will obtain certain specified assets, including exclusive rights to the business name, while assuming no prior liabilities of the business, with the exception of those clearly outlined (e.g., accrued employee benefits). The agreement should detail the transition plan for retained employees, including their compensation and benefits.

Regardless of the nature of the purchase—be it a stock or asset deal—the seller should provide indemnification to the buyer against any hidden liabilities that emerge post-closure. To safeguard against unforeseen liabilities, it is wise to withhold a portion of the purchase price in escrow for a predetermined duration.

SOME ITEMS TO INVESTIGATE

When contemplating the acquisition of a business, conducting a meticulous review of its financial and operational facets is paramount. Start by insisting on audited financial statements. If these aren’t already prepared by a certified public accountant, consider bearing the cost yourself to guarantee the integrity of your investment. Audited statements offer a transparent view of the business’s financial health, spotlighting any concealed financial obligations.

Comparing the business’s financial performance against industry benchmarks is another critical step. Resources like the Risk Management Association’s Annual Statistical Report provide valuable data for this comparison, enabling you to assess the business’s standing relative to industry norms.

Investment returns are a vital consideration. A rule of thumb is that safe investments should yield a 5% annual return. Evaluating the business’s value through professional business valuation services can prevent overpayment, considering both tangible assets and intangible assets like “goodwill”. This intangible asset, often reflected in the price above asset value, represents the established reputation of the business, amortizable over 15 years.

Incorporate financial institutions early in the process. The purchase agreement should clearly state the sale price and detail the assets included, seller’s and buyer’s obligations, and the binding period. This document is essential for your banker to assist in financing the purchase, evaluating the adequacy of the down payment, and identifying potential collateral.

Understanding the seller’s motive for selling provides insight into potential business sustainability or external risks, like infrastructural changes that could impact the business location. Reviewing the lease terms and negotiating future terms is also crucial if the business location is leased.

Experience the business firsthand by working there before committing to a purchase. This immersive approach offers a realistic perspective on the business’s operations, customer volume, and potential issues needing resolution before the sale concludes.

Consider the impact of the current owner’s personality on the business’s success and whether you can sustain its success with your unique approach. Secure a non-compete agreement from the seller to protect your investment from direct competition, especially if the seller’s persona significantly contributed to the business’s success.

Engage with neighboring businesses, employees, customers, and even competitors to gather comprehensive insights about the business environment, customer satisfaction, competitive positioning, and potential future challenges.

Conduct thorough due diligence, including credit checks on the seller and the business, verifying inventory and asset valuations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations (local, state, and federal). Confirm that the business is free from encumbrances by conducting Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) searches for liens and ensuring all contracts and agreements are thoroughly reviewed for obligations and liabilities.

Crafting a detailed business plan, possibly with assistance from entities like SCORE, can lay a solid foundation for the venture’s future. This plan should reflect a deep understanding of the business’s operational, financial, and competitive landscape, ensuring a smooth transition and successful management post-acquisition.

Contact our law firm for a COMPREHENSIVE due diligence checklist for buying a business (or the assets of a business).

CLICK HERE for information regarding books published by Attorney Ronald Cook.

CLICK HERE to contact the law firm.