Buying A Business

Obtaining appropriate legal, financial, business and accounting advice.

Preparing a business plan.

Undertaking appropriate due diligence.

Knowing what skills and knowledge are required.

Obtaining appropriate tuition and training.

Understanding staffing requirements including are staff motivated and properly skilled, licensed and trained.

Verifying that no only all plant & equipment is in good and proper working order but also that you will acquire good title for it.

Checking that stock is at sufficient levels, correctly identified/labelled and of merchantable quality.

Ensuring all administrative procedures are documented and workable.

Ensuring there is sufficient capital to finance the business venture.

Making sure the business accounts system is up to date and correct.

Properly assessing present and forecast costs, liabilities, income, cash flow and profits.

Confirming taxation obligations.

Clarifying the terms & conditions of any business loans.

Checking the terms & conditions of any chattel hire purchase, rent or lease agreements.

Understanding security obligations in relation to mortgages, charges, guarantees, etc.

What structure should be adopted—sole trade, partnership,company or trust ?

If you are going into business with someone else do you have an agreement such as a partnership or shareholders agreement dealing with ownership, management and exit strategies;

Is there a properly drawn agreement or contract in relation to the purchase of the business ?

Do you understand the statutory and regulatory obligations applicable to the business and industry and have they been complied with ?

Whether intellectual property rights attach to the business and are these protected;

Whether there are any current or expected legal proceedings that may impact on the business or you;

Ensuring that you understand your rights and obligations in relation to employees;

Ensuring that you have understood the terms & conditions of any premises lease or license and have they been complied;

Obtaining the landlord given consent to your occupation and use of the premises;

Ensuring the premises suitable for operation of the business;

Preparing terms of a Contract that will ensure what due diligence you should consider;

Undertaking necessary searches;

Advice about issues relevant to start up businesses and existing business acquisitions;

Drafting all relevant documentation;

Ensuring that you satisfy all applicable Council, State Government and Commonwealth government compliance and registration requirements; Ensuring that all of the leasing requirements have been met;

Settling the acquisition;

All matters incidental to the above.