What to Expect During the Sale or Purchase of a Business

Planning to buy a café near the Wilmington Riverwalk? Selling a small manufacturing shop off Market Street? Maybe you’re eyeing a surf shop in Wrightsville Beach or passing along a family-owned business in Midtown.

Wherever you are in the Wilmington area, buying or selling a business is a big step—and it comes with legal details that can quickly get overwhelming. From reviewing financials and leases to handling contracts, negotiations, and closing documents, every part of the process matters.

At Rountree Losee LLP, we’ve worked with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors across Wilmington—from Castle Street to Carolina Beach. Whether you’re taking over an established business or handing off the keys, we’re here to help you move through the process with clarity and confidence.

Here’s what you can expect—and how we can support you from start to finish.

Understanding the Legal Steps Involved in Buying or Selling a Wilmington, NC Business

Buying or selling a business is more than just agreeing on a price and shaking hands. Whether you’re selling a café in downtown Wilmington or purchasing a logistics company near the Port, there are key legal steps involved:

• Drafting or reviewing a letter of intent (LOI)
• Structuring the deal (asset sale vs. stock sale)
• Reviewing contracts and leases
• Confirming licenses, permits, and compliance
• Resolving liens or legal claims

Our real estate team works with buyers and sellers to make sure every step is handled properly and that your interests are protected from day one.

Doing the Homework: What Due Diligence Really Means

Due diligence is the deep dive that happens before a deal closes. It’s your chance to look under the hood of the business—financial records, tax filings, employment issues, vendor contracts, pending litigation, and more.

For sellers, this means being ready to share clean, organized information and answer key questions. For buyers, it means asking the right questions and understanding what you’re really taking on.

We help both sides identify risks, spot red flags, and make smart, informed decisions before anyone signs the dotted line.

• Negotiating the Terms of the Deal
• A strong sale or purchase agreement is built on clear, well-negotiated terms. That could mean:
• Setting a fair purchase price
• Agreeing on how and when payments will be made
• Deciding whether the current owner will stay on temporarily to train the buyer
• Handling outstanding debts or warranties

Our attorneys work with clients to make sure negotiations stay on track and that nothing important is left out.

Getting Your Business Sale or Purchase to the Finish Line

Once everyone agrees on the deal, we help finalize the paperwork and get everything ready for closing. That includes:

• Drafting the purchase agreement and related documents
• Filing the right paperwork with state and local agencies
• Coordinating with accountants, brokers, and other professionals
• Making sure funds are transferred and the deal is recorded correctly

We work to keep the closing process smooth and efficient, so you can move forward with confidence.

A Wilmington Law Firm That Understands Business

At Rountree Losee LLP, we know how much work goes into building and running a business. When it comes time to buy or sell, we’re here to help you protect what you’ve built—or invest wisely in your next chapter.

Whether you’re just starting the conversation or already negotiating a deal, we’re ready to step in and support you.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move, Contact Our Wilmington Business Attorneys Today

If you’re buying or selling a business in Wilmington, NC, don’t go it alone. Contact Rountree Losee LLP today to set up a consultation. We’ll help you understand the process, prepare the right documents, and make decisions with confidence.