Sell A Business

We'll help you sell a business

We make the process of selling a business as clear and straight forward as possible
We regularly help clients sell companies in a variety of industries. We’ve helped clients sell both product and service companies, including food production, technology, event planning, and consumer goods companies. Our clients range from first time sellers to serial business owners. We’ve worked on sales ranging from $20,000 through $100 million+, and our typical deal size is between $100,000 – $10,000,000. The transactions we’ve worked on have included both stock sales and asset sales.

STEP 1

Contact us to arrange a meeting. We’ll listen to your plans and do our best to give you an estimate before you hire our firm.

STEP 2

Conduct internal due diligence to come up with a sale offer price.

STEP 3

Negotiate with potential buyers and sign a term sheet (also known as a letter of intent).

STEP 4

Allow the buyer to conduct its due diligence.

STEP 5

Negotiate the purchase agreement with the buyer.

STEP 6

Close the sale, and get paid!

Get in touch and we'll help you get started.

FAQs for Selling a Business

What are your firm's fees?

Our attorneys bill at an hourly rate of $425 – $550, depending on the complexity of the work, and our paralegal staff bills at an hourly rate of $175. Before commencing any work, we first meet with you to determine whether we are a good fit, and, if so, we provide you with an estimate as to the project. Generally speaking, attorney fees for a business sale can range from approximately 1% to 4% of deal value. Businesses in heavily regulated industries tend to require more work due to the need to review additional contracts and to ensure that the sale complies with all regulations governing the business.

Are there any additional costs, such as filing fees?

Yes, but they are usually minimal, particularly in Oregon where they are typically less than $1,000 at the most, barring any unusual circumstances.

What are the typical documents needed to sell a business?

The typical documents usually include a letter of intent, an asset purchase agreement (if an asset sale) or stock purchase agreement (if a stock sale), bills of sale, intellectual property assignment agreements, and any necessary filings that must be made with state authorities. Other documents that are sometimes included, depending on the type of transaction, include a goodwill purchase agreement, lease assignment, consulting agreement, employment agreement, promissory note and security or pledge agreements, and any necessary internal company consent resolutions.

How much time will it take to sell my business?

We’ve found that the amount of time to sell a business will depend upon how fast the seller and buyer exchange the information they each need, and also will depend upon how fast they complete their negotiations. We’ve helped clients sell businesses in as fast as 2-3 weeks, while other business sales have taken many months. It really depends on how well the seller and buyer work together and cooperate with each other.

Do I need to work with a business broker?

Not necessarily. If you’re more comfortable being represented by a business broker, or you find a broker that you think brings significant value, then you might consider it, but it’s not required. Most business brokers in the Portland, Oregon area charge a commission of 10% on the sale of a business.

Where can I find more information about the process of selling a business?

We wrote an article entitled How to Sell A Business, which explains more of the details in each of the steps outlined above. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak with us to get your specific questions answered, just click the Contact Us button below.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

  • How to Sell a Business

    The key stages of a business sale and some guidance on what to expect in each stage...

  • How to Dissolve a Company

    We explain the meaning and significance of dissolution...

  • Protect a Registered Trademark

    Protect your trademark after it’s been registered with the USPTO...

Ready to move forward with selling your business?