Buying a business: shares or assets?
Incorporate your Saint-Constant business from $999, government fees included. Suited to buying or taking over an existing business.
Retail and services in the Roussillon
Complete legal filings
Each incorporation includes all legal filings required to create a compliant and operational corporation from day one.
Share capital structure
Depending on the option selected, your share capital structure is prepared in a simple or advanced format to support the future evolution of your business.
Digital minute book
All corporate documents are delivered in a digital minute book, ready for electronic signature and secure record keeping.
Professional validation
Documents are prepared according to established legal standards and reviewed before delivery.
Human support
Our team supports you throughout the process and provides guidance when decisions need to be made, without unnecessary complexity.
Incorporate your business
Build your company in Quebec or federally with a strong legal structure from day one.
Keep your company’s annual filings up to date and maintain compliance of your corporate minute book.
Access professional legal templates to structure relationships with your employees, partners, and suppliers.
By opening a NBC business account.
A guided process, from information gathering to final document delivery.
Each step is designed to ensure compliance and legal consistency.
Tailor your incorporation to your needs (simple or advanced structure).
Each file is reviewed before delivery to ensure a reliable outcome.
Our incorporation guides
Clear resources to help you understand the legal aspects of starting a business.
Incorporation
Discover the complete guide to incorporation in Quebec. Essential steps, expert tips and key information to create and manage your corporation.
The Complete Guide to Incorporating in Quebec (QBCA)
Everything you need to know to incorporate under the Quebec Business Corporations Act. Key actors, articles, costs and the process explained simply.
The Complete Guide to Federal Incorporation in Canada (CBCA)
Incorporate your business under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Key actors, articles, annual costs and the federal incorporation process explained clearly.
The Complete Guide to Incorporating in Ontario (OBCA)
Incorporate your business under the Ontario Business Corporations Act. Key actors, articles, annual costs and the provincial incorporation process explained clearly.
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Saint-Constant: a town of established SMEs
Saint-Constant is part of the Roussillon, an area combining retail, professional services, construction firms, specialized workshops and small manufacturers. Many of these businesses have existed for decades and change hands as their owners reach retirement.
That makes one question particularly relevant here: how to buy an existing business, and what structure to use for it.
Buying shares or buying assets
A business transaction takes one of two forms. A share purchase means acquiring the corporation itself, with its contracts, employees and history, but also its past obligations and risks. An asset purchase means buying only what interests you: equipment, inventory, client base, without assuming liabilities.
Sellers generally prefer selling shares, notably for tax reasons. Buyers often prefer buying assets. In both cases, having your own corporation is necessary: it is what buys, contracts and borrows.
- An acquiring corporation carrying the transaction and the financing
- A separation between assumed risks and your personal assets
- A reduced tax rate on the first $500,000 of eligible active business income
- A structure ready before negotiation rather than improvised after
Online incorporation, reviewed by lawyers
Lexstart works with Roussillon entrepreneurs remotely: a 15-minute questionnaire, Quebec legal review, articles, digital minute book and initial resolutions. Our pricing includes government fees. See our online incorporation guide or start your incorporation.
By opening a NBC business account.
Provincial or federal for a Saint-Constant business?
For a business serving the Quebec market, the provincial regime fits. Federal only becomes relevant with expansion outside Quebec or pan-Canadian brand protection.
What a buyer should examine
Before buying, have the target company's minute book, resolutions, share structure and contracts reviewed. An incomplete minute book is common and can delay a transaction by months, or lower the price. It is also a good reminder to keep yours current from day one.
Your obligations once incorporated
Annual updating declaration, a current minute book, a separate corporate tax return and resolutions recording major decisions.
Common questions from Saint-Constant entrepreneurs
Should I incorporate before making an offer? It is preferable. The offer and financing are negotiated in the acquiring corporation's name.
Can I buy with a partner? Yes, and in that case a shareholders agreement should be signed before closing, not after.
Compare your options in REQ, platform or notary, or start your incorporation.