Your trusted source for Iowa business and franchise law insights.
Your trusted source for Iowa business and franchise law insights.
Generally, the easiest way for a buyer to purchase a business is through an Asset Purchase Agreement. The buyer is not actually purchasing the business itself. One commentator has described it has buying the seller’s merchandise without buying the store.
Buyers tend to favor asset purchases for several reasons. First, the buyer obtains the…
If you are selling your business you should not divulge trade secrets and confidential business information without a signed confidentiality agreement. The theft of trade secrets is an increasingly litigated issue. In the business sale context this often happens when negotiations break down and the potential buyer decides they can start their own business. …
Believe it or not, as a small business lawyer I have named more than my fair share of businesses for clients. (Maybe I should add that to the list of incorporation services). I always kind of laugh when I am asked for my opinion on the subject because I am not a marketing…
I listened to an insightful podcast from Becky McCray of Small Biz Survival called Nothing New. She also quotes Dr. Samuel Johnson who once said, "People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed."
That is so true when it comes to helping businesses recognize legal issues. So often what…
I tell clients they need to establish relationships with at least four professionals when starting a business including:
As tax season kicks into full force many business owners may be considering hiring an accountant to complete their business taxes. I always get worried when a business person tells me he…
The core of this Iowa business and corporate law blog consists of six main categories found on the right hand side margin including incorporation and LLC formation, starting a business, franchise law, employment law, business litigation and buying and selling a business. I attempt to cover many of the basics…
It is important to consider the local zoning ordinances when choosing a business location. It may not be a significant problem for businesses with office locations but businesses such as car dealerships (especially used), real estate rental companies, auto body shops and manufacturing facilities could run into problems if you are not familar with local…
A recent study by professor James Chrisman of Mississippi State University shows that Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) clients grow 24% faster than Iowa businesses that have no assistance from the SBDC.
The independent study also shows that the SBDC has a significant impact on Iowa’s tax revenues, job creation and retention, and capital…
In December’s issue of Inc. Magazine, Norm Brodsky describes a paradox of successful negotiation. The less interest you have in doing a deal, the more likely you are to get one you’ll find difficult to refuse.
Brodsky is considering selling his businesses (records storage, secure document-shredding and delivery). He turned down an offer from…
As New York Small Business Law blog says, "Articles on choice of business entity are a dime a dozen." But I agree this article concerning Choice of Entity from the worldwide law firm of O’Melveney & Myers is an excellent guide.
The article contains the answers to many of the frequently asked questions concerning using…