How to Take Over a Business

There are several ways to take over a business. You could "go big" and go for a corporate takeover, or go to the mom and pop store down the road and offer a retirement package they won't refuse. Here are a few steps to achieve your goal to take over a business.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get financing in order. There are several ways to finance a business. One way is to use your savings, retirement or cash on hand. The most common way to finance a business is through debt. The debt financing includes personal loans from friends and family, bank loans, venture capital, and the business owner himself.
2. Determine what type of company you wish to take over. The techniques to take over a large publicly held corporation and a small sole proprietorship differ. Know what type of company it is that you have your eyes on.
3. Buy stock in the publicly held company you wish to take over. Once you have 51%, and sometimes less, you have the voting control you need to take over a publicly traded corporation. The takeover timeline may look like this: buy up enough stock to control in a shareholder vote, vote for board of director members who are like minded to your ultimate plan, buy-out other shareholders, own the company. This is a gross simplification, but the basic idea will get you started.
4. Contact a local small business owner and ask if they are willing to sell. There are several small businesses which are falling behind on their bills because of health issues, bankruptcy, or their poor management of an otherwise good company. These business owners wish there was an answer to their problem. Step in and be their angel. Companies such as Young Acquisitions Corporation of Virginia often have leads on businesses in need.