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Buying a Business

Entrepreneurship is a risky business. One way to reduce your risk is to buy an existing business that's already demonstrated an ability to successfully operate (hopefully at a profit). That confidence does come at a price, though, as you'll generally spend far more to buy a business than to start one from scratch. If you've got the funds, though, it's an excellent option.
Buying a Business: The Safer Alternative
While there are no guarantees in business and the risks must always be managed, buying an established business clearly offers significant advantages worth considering if you want to own your own business. In order to buy the right business or franchise, you need to investigate its historical performance, operations, current status, staff and management, competition, industry and its future potential, all of which is so much easier to do with an existing business.
12 Laws of the Business Buying and Selling Jungle
A light-hearted, but very insightful look at some of the issues surrounding acquisitions. I particularly like Jungle Law #1: "Lawyers Are Deal Killers!"
Acquiring a Business Basics
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding confidentiality agreements, M&A firms, and business valuation analysts, plus tips on how to simplify the process.
Finding the Right Business to Buy
An excellent set of questions to ask to determine whether or not buying a business is right for you in the first place, and if so, what type of business might be right for you.
BizBuySell.com
With over 17,000 business listed for sale all around the world, you'll certainly be able to find something that interests you.
BusinessBroker.net
A very reasonably priced business for sale classified advertising service and business broker directory that is searched by more than 5000 business buyers per day. They also run FranchiseAdvantage.com, which boasts an extensive database of both new and established franchise opportunities.
BusinessesForSale.com
12,000 businesses for sale around the globe, plus a franchise opportunity locator.
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