Forming a Florida business partnership can be an excellent way to launch a new venture while sharing expenses and the responsibilities of operating an enterprise. Over time, a partner may decide they want to move on to other opportunities or retire. Under these circumstances, the remaining partner will need to know how to acquire the other’s interest. Here is more on buying out your Florida business partner.
Work with a Florida Business Attorney
Buying out your Florida business partner is usually necessary if you want to continue operating your joint enterprise. The good news is that it is possible to acquire your partner’s interest in the business and maintain your existing business.
The first thing to know about buying out your Florida business partner is that there are several legal implications. Therefore, the first step you will want to take when buying out your Florida business partner is consulting with an experienced Florida business law attorney. Your Florida business lawyer will be well-versed in the applicable laws and legal issues concerning partnership dissolution. In addition, your counsel can provide essential legal guidance and help protect your interest during the partnership dissolution process.
When you work with an experienced Florida business lawyer, you can help ensure that your actions comport with the terms of an existing partnership agreement. In addition, your lawyer can help you navigate the technical and legal aspects of your Florida partnership buyout agreement. Further, having counsel is vital to protecting your interest during and after you buy out your Florida business partner.
Get a Business Valuation
When partners have vastly different ideas of what a business is worth, it can be a significant point of conflict during a Florida business partner dissolution. Therefore, before initiating the process of buying out your Florida partner, it will be necessary to have an accurate business valuation completed. In addition, you will want to have your business examined and assessed through an independent valuation.
By having an independent valuation, you and your partner can obtain a fair and accurate report of the entity’s profits, losses, liabilities, and other factors that impact its worth. When partners have an independent valuation they trust to be accurate, it can help facilitate negotiations. Using an independent service can also ensure that all liabilities have been identified and considered during the process.
Plan for Your Partner’s Absence
When ending a Florida business partnership, you will want to consider your and your partner’s respective roles and responsibilities within the business. For instance, if the departing partner had an active operational role, you will need to be prepared to take over the tasks they have been managing. Further, in addition to their labor, you will need to determine how the loss of their capital contribution may impact the business. Your Florida business lawyer can help you evaluate your existing business and identify the best ways to plan for your partner’s absence.
Review Your Partnership Buyout Agreement Carefully
When buying out your Florida business partner, you will develop a partnership buyout agreement. Like a partnership agreement, this document is a legally binding contract. The difference is that your Florida partnership buyout agreement will include specific terms that set out how you will end your partnership. Therefore, before signing this type of agreement, you will want to review its terms carefully.
The best way to protect your interest when buying out your Florida business partner and developing a partnership buyout agreement is by working with an experienced Florida business attorney. Your business lawyer will understand the acquisition process and can help you ensure that your buyout agreement includes the necessary provisions and language.
Contact an Experienced Florida Business Attorney
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Legal Center assists clients like you with commercial leasing, business, and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.