How to Buy a Business with Debt

Many feel that buying a business is less risky than starting a business from scratch. What about buying a business with debt? Buying a business is only less risky because the customer base and brand name of the business has already been established. If chosen carefully, buying a business with current debt can lead to high profits.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business lawyer or broker
• Debt disclosure

1. When serious about purchasing a business in debt, hiring a business attorney or broker is a must. This person will help look over the fine details of the current business and be able to give a better explanation of why the business is in trouble.

2. Look over all assets and liabilities. This will include all receipts payable and billable. Red flags should be going off if liabilities are far more than assets.

3. All business debts should be looked over very closely. A business may require you to sign a nondisclosure agreement but if serous about selling the business, they must be willing to give you a full debt disclosure. This includes all outstanding notes, loans and any other debt the business has assumed while in business. If the company is not incorporated, the debts may show to still be liable to the previous business owner after sell.

4. Tax returns and financial records for the past five years of the business should be viewed and discussed in detail. This is where many find the reason for a business with debt. If it shows large amounts of debt due to vacations and other seemingly unrelated business matter it may show that the business's finances could just need some tweaking.

5. Take all information into account that has been received and discuss it with your business lawyer or broker. Pinpoint areas that caused the debt and ways the company can be improved. Evaluate if the company can be turned around. If not, walk away. If you wish to continue with the buyout, format a proposal of your terms of sale.

6. Before purchasing a business with debt develop a plan of action to make the business successful.

Tips & Warnings

• Many entrepreneurs prefer to require the business to pay off all debt before the business liabilities are signed over in the new owner's name.
• Business image of the company may help determine if the business is supported by the community.
• Spending a day with the business operators, and visiting with vendors and customers may help you get a better idea of the business.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Start Your Business Now - LegalZoom
• Fax without a fax machine! Over 11 million people use eFax® to fax online. Get your free trial today
• Onebox® - Virtual Phone System for Small/Medium Businesses. Service includes Toll Free, Local Number, Call Forwarding, Voicemail, Online Fax & more. Free Trial!