Buying a Business: What You Need to Know (Quick Prep)

Buying a Business provides practical advice for individuals and managers who are considering buying a business – whether for the first time or as a repeat occurrence. Included is a step-by-step analysis of the two stages of acquisitions. Chapters in the first section deal with preliminary issues to be addressed including business plans. The authors provide buyers with advice on governance and management, accounting, finance, and tax issues that must be addressed in any acquisition. They also evaluate the intellectual property and antitrust issues that must be investigated before any acquisition is closed. This section then addresses product development, sales, marketing, human resources, and valuation of the company.

The second section of the book provides detailed information on the transaction stage, beginning with negotiations and due diligence. Separate chapters address how to acquire businesses through corporate share, corporate asset, joint venture, proprietorship, partnership, and limited liability transactions. The last two chapters in this section deal with the closing and postclosing issues, particularly the cultural issues that can determine the success or failure of an acquisition. Each chapter includes forms that can be used in an acquisition.