Scaling Up Your SME: Navigating Purchase and Sale Agreements in Maine
Understanding Purchase and Sale Agreements in Maine
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to scale up their businesses must master many complex legal agreements in the process. Among the most common is the purchase and sale agreement. For SMEs unfamiliar with the world of international trade, these documents can seem overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of comprehensive purchase and sale agreements in Maine, and why they matter to you.
What is a purchase and sale agreement? A purchase and sale agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms of a transaction between buyer and seller. It provides a framework for the exchange of goods and services or property, and ensures that both parties understand their obligations. For SMEs looking to increase productivity and revenue, understanding complex legal instruments from a new country can be a major obstacle. Although every country is different, the basics of purchase and sale agreements are the same.
Understanding the Key Elements of a Purchase and Sale Agreement
With any legal agreement, it’s essential to know the key elements. The following sections are included in a standard purchase and sale agreement:
- A description of the selling or purchasing entity (person or company)
- A description of the goods, services, products or real estate involved
- The sale value of the goods, services, products or real estate
- Any other terms of the agreement
Common Pitfalls When SMEs Enter into Purchase and Sale Agreements
Many SMEs simply don’t know what to look for when entering into a purchase and sale agreement. Common mistakes include:
- Misunderstanding the terms. Some causes of misunderstanding include using an outdated agreement form, assuming that a template agreement will work across different industries, and not reading the fine print.
- Overestimating your negotiation power. SMEs whose products are in high demand may expect to make one-sided demands. This may cause the other party to back out of the deal or go somewhere else.
Legal Requirements for Purchase and Sale Agreements in Maine
The law has certain requirements for purchase and sale agreements. Understanding these requirements is essential. Under Maine law, purchase agreements must be in writing to be enforceable. Although some purchase and sale agreements are more of a gentlemen’s agreement than a formal legal instrument, they can be enforced in court in some cases. In addition, all purchase and sale agreements must provide adequate details for the government to fully understand the transaction. This means all parties must take care to include a clear description of the goods, services, products or real estate being sold.
The Role of Due Diligence Before You Sign the Deal
Before the ink dries, be sure to perform due diligence. Contact an attorney, preferably one who specializes in purchase and sale agreements. Have them review the document carefully and point out any problem areas, including items that may not hold up in court. Be sure to also research the reputation of the business owner you’ll be entering into an agreement with. A bad reputation can indicate issues later on. If the seller has poor reviews on sites like TrustPilot, Yelp or Google, it may be time to seek other options or delay the transaction until the seller’s reputation improves.
How Purchase and Sale Agreements Affect International Business Strategy
When an SME decides to pursue international sales, a purchase and sale agreement is particularly important. This document ensures compliance with international law as well as regional laws, which could vary from those in the seller’s home state or country. Failure to comply with international laws can cost you your goods, your reputation and your ability to make a sale in the future.
How Purchase and Sale Agreements Help SMEs Mitigate Risk
Purchase and sale agreements are useful tools for reducing liability in management and operations. They keep both parties up to speed on their obligations and identify appropriate remedies if one of the parties fails to meet the terms of the agreement. Make sure you’re covered by including a liquidated damages provision. If you fail to fill in this provision, remedies for failing to meet the terms could be unpredictable. Your legal counsel can assist with drafting a provision that meets your needs.