Like buying or selling a piece of real estate, buying or selling a business is a monumental occasion that requires close attention to detail.  I recommend to my small business clients that they refuse to disclose certain kinds of business details until the prospective buyer has signed a non-disclosure agreement, or until they prospective buyer has paid a deposit of some kind.  This step helps to protect you and your business from competitors posing as a buyer, just to get a peek at the inner workings of your business.  Just as it is wise to have an attorney represent you in the purchase of real estate, it is likewise prudent to have your own representation in any kind of business purchase and sale.  There are many pre-requisite tasks that must be accomplished before a transaction is ready to be consummated and Attorney Dowling can counsel you with each of these.  Some of the tasks may include price negotiation, review of purchase and sale documentation, preparation of promissory notes, security agreements, due diligence of many forms, transferring of business vehicles and company intellectual property, franchise agreements and more.