What are the different types of legal structures and some advantages and disadvantages of each?
There are many business structures to choose when one wants to start an enterprise – from a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. Each business structure has its operating complexity, liability protection, legal, and tax implications (Spadaccini, 2004).
The sole proprietorship business structure is an arrangement where you are the sole business owner and therefore fully liable for all debts and obligations of the business. Advantages of this business structure include: easy to register, minimal start-up capital, direct control of decisions and profits. Nonetheless, lack of liability protection is perhaps the biggest disadvantage. Another disadvantage is lack of continuity in case owner is incapacitated.
Partnership business structure is when two or more people set up an enterprise to make profits to be shared according to a legally binding agreement. Partners pool financial resources that form the bulk of the working capital. Besides, each partner is jointly liable for any debt the business incurs and partners are not required to file income taxes as a business entity. On the other hand, a partner becomes liable for any negligent actions of other partners. Also, creditors may claim a partner’s personal assets for compensation in case debts.
A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners or shareholders. Board of directors manages the business while its officer runs the day to day business. When a shareholder dies or leaves the company, his/her shares are transferred to other shareholders, hence guarantying continuity of business. It is not only easy to raise capital for setting up but a corporation and attracts lower taxation compared to other business structures. One significant disadvantage is tightly regulated by the federal governments and the State.
Discuss both reasons for and the risks of buying an existing business or franchise instead of starting a business from scratch.
Buying an existing business or starting a new one from scratch will depend on your financial status and your personals. There is no guarantee that when you start some business that it will succeed – most start-ups fail to pick up. Owners of start-ups have to confront with unknowns including whether your new customers will like your products and services. You are also not sure that your new company will operate efficiently and make profits.
On the other hand, an existing business already has the goodwill of customers cultivated over time, not to mention the status and reputation in the marketplace built over time. On the other buying, an existing business has challenges, especially when it comes to valuation. It is essential to do due diligence before purchase as might overpay the value and have difficulties trying to recoup your profits. In addition, you might leave you with no money to invest and build your newly acquired company. While company financial statements reveal a lot, they conceal the vital. If not careful some company’s assets cannot be turned into cash or may have been overvalued. An owner who has just acquired an existing company might get difficulties adapting to company’s policies, procedures, and corporate culture. A new business owner might encounter resistance from directors and employees
References
Hill, H. (2013). Buying an Existing Business Versus Starting a Business. Retrieved from
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/buying-existing-business-versus-starting-business-
2477.html
Spadaccini, M (2004). Ultimate Book of Forming Corps, LLCs, Partnerships & Sole
Proprietorships. (1nd edn.) Entrepreneur Press.