Selling your business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. It involves careful planning and a clear understanding of legal, financial, and contractual elements. To ensure a smooth and successful sale, you need an experienced solicitor assisting you.
1. Organise Financial and Legal Documents
Before you can sell your business, you need to ensure all your financial and legal documents are in order. Buyers will require access to tax returns, profit and loss statements, contracts, and other business records. Alongside your accountant, a lawyer can ensure the business is in good order and help identify any potential legal issues that need attention. They’ll also ensure that contracts such as leases and intellectual property rights are properly structured for the sale.
2. Get a Professional Business Valuation
Setting the right price for your business is essential. A lawyer can work alongside financial experts to help you obtain an accurate business valuation. They’ll ensure that all aspects of your business—such as assets, liabilities, IP, goodwill—are properly accounted for, giving you the best chance of getting the price you deserve.
3. Address Potential Liabilities
During the sale process, it’s important to identify and address any potential liabilities, such as unresolved disputes, long term commitments/agreements, employee issues, or outstanding debts. A lawyer can assess your business for any legal risks and help mitigate these issues, ensuring that the sale goes smoothly without future complications.
4. Draft the Sale Agreement
When it comes time to negotiate the sale, your lawyer will be your advocate. They’ll help negotiate the best terms for you and draft a comprehensive sale agreement that protects your interests. From payment terms to post-sale obligations, a lawyer will ensure that all conditions are clear, fair, and legally binding.
Our team led by Carley Ronan assist clients in selling their business whether it’s a small coffee shop or a large ecommerce business; we can help you.
Disclaimer: This advice is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice.
If you would like legal advice, please call our office on (07) 5619 0440 and we would be pleased to assist you.