On the surface it seems simple. The definition of “fair market value” is the price at which a willing buyer will buy and a willing seller will sell, in an open market, where the parties are at arms-length and not related to each other.
Use of independent contractors for tasks traditionally performed by employees has become an increasingly popular business model.
“Entrepreneurship” is frequently defined as “starting” or “developing” a business venture or idea. While many entrepreneurs do start a business from “scratch,” others purchase a going concern or selectively buy assets that can enhance their own opportunities to grow.
We routinely advise and prepare clients who are entering difficult or complicated negotiations. Entering an important negotiation or one with an unfamiliar subject matter can be stressful.
Despite their sophistication, entrepreneurs and businesspeople sometimes build and invest in companies without the legal scaffolding necessary to withstand disagreements among the owners. Individuals provide money without having a clear agreement on whether the payments are a loan or were made in exchange for an equity interest.
The day trading business continues to grow. As individuals who engage in day trading begin to realize that it can be a career rather than a rewarding hobby, they often begin to consider ways in which they can make the business more profitable.
We spend a good deal of time advising clients on how to stay out of court. Some clients, however, find this approach too conservative, stodgy or dull and would prefer to be involved in otherwise avoidable litigation.
Purchasing or selling a business can be accomplished in a number of ways. While the objective of the transaction is always the same – transfer of ownership from a seller to a buyer – the form of the transaction does make a difference. When it comes to the purchase or sale of a business, the form of the sale has significant implications, not only at the time of sale but with regard to operations going forward.
Negotiating a purchase price for a business is more complicated than haggling for a new car. Most business sales have at least some portion of the price paid after closing.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a case, ‘North Carolina Department of Revenue v. Kaestner 1992 Family Trust,’ in which a trust challenged a North Carolina law that taxes resident-beneficiaries on the income earned and retained by a nonresident trust.
One of the quickest ways a business can incur legal expenses is to be involved in contentious litigation. Sometimes litigation is just a fact of business life. Businesses can be sued without justification or as an effort to intimidate rather than resolve a dispute.
Robson & Robson managing shareholder Edward Robson was recently selected for inclusion on the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list for the state of Pennsylvania. He has been named to this list every year since 2013.
