10/01/2026
You’ve negotiated the price, agreed on the terms, and started planning what comes next. Then the buyer says they’re no longer going through with the deal.
When a business sale falls apart, what happens next depends heavily on the signed agreement and the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
Was the purchase conditional on financing or another requirement? Were those conditions satisfied or waived? Was a deposit paid? What does the agreement say about termination or default? Depending on the answers, walking away may have financial or legal consequences.
For a seller, a failed transaction can mean more than losing the sale. Plans may have already been made based on the expected closing, and finding another buyer can take time. For a buyer, backing out of a binding agreement may carry consequences they hadn’t anticipated.
It’s our first Legal Nightmare of October, and a good reminder that the details of a business sale matter long before anyone reaches the closing date.
If you’re buying or selling a business, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand the agreement and the legal details involved in the transaction. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.