Q: I own a small business that I’d like to sell. I’m considering owner financing. Can an agreement include repossession?
I want to be sure I’m protected if the buyer defaults, or fails to maintain the business. The business is a franchised restaurant so there standards that need to be maintained. If the agreement includes a down payment, would I retain it as well?
A: There is always some level of risk involved in every business transaction. Providing owner financing and the nature of the franchise relationship will need to be taken into account. You can't eliminate risk, but you can manage risk by contemplating these issues in an asset purchase agreement, along with a promissory note and security agreement. Repossession of the franchise business itself may not be an available remedy, as your franchise agreement is likely to be terminated as part of the transaction through a transfer to the Buyer. You may need to speak to an attorney with speciality in M&A and franchise law.
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
