Do i need an attorney and an accountant to buy a business?
About UsI'm a resident of another country interested in obtaining an E-2 visa, can you help?
Where can i go to look at what businesses are available to buy?
What will the process of buying a company cost me?
Will the current owners train me to run the company?
How do i know that the profit figures that the sellers claim are true?
Buying or selling a business can be a complicated venture. While some businesses are sold without the help of accountants and attorneys, we strongly recommend that both the buyer and seller engage professionals.
While the e-2 process is quite complex and we certainly recommend a consultant that specializes in obtaining visas, several of Transworld's agents have done numerous E-2 transactions and can provide enough help to move you along the process.
Our website, www.tworld.com has a search page where you can look at over 4000 businesses.
Transworld is generally paid by the seller not the buyer. However, other costs do come into play. Legal and accounting fees are generally required and additional startup costs may also come into play.
Depending on the complexities of the business, the former owner will offer varying levels of training. On most small businesses, the owner will offer training for two to four weeks at no cost to the new owner.
As part of the acquisition process, you will have to go through "due diligence." During this period the seller is required to present documents to verify his profit numbers.
No, while 100% of the purchase price is sometimes required, sellers will frequently provide owner financing to some extent. Additionally, a bank may be able to loan up to 80% of the purchase price through a loan sponsored by the Small Business Administration.
Businesses vary in price a great deal, however, it would be unlikely that one could buy a business with much less of a down payment than $50,000.
