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Selling on - Malta

Updated 08/2011

Legal requirements

The legal terms for business transfer in Malta are laid down in the Companies Act.

Types of business transfer

Transferring ownership can take place within the family, to employees or to third parties. Reasons for transfers can include personal decisions (early retirement or change of profession), changing competitive environment (changing markets, new products or new channels of distribution), or personal events (divorce, ill health, or death).

Paid transfer

The transfer of a business may take place through the sale of a company as a going business concern. It may also take place through the transfer of shares or debentures, where such a transfer is made by private writing or a notary's deed, depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

Taking over an existing company is a worthwhile alternative to setting up a new business.

Resources

The 'Starting a Business ' and 'Business Support ' sections on the Malta Enterprise website should prove useful in providing information and advice on issues related to business transfers.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

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Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

Various forms of support are available in different areas from numerous bodies: banks, accountants, chambers of commerce, tax experts, lawyers, notaries, mergers and acquisitions specialists and consultants.

The commerce division through its call centre and small business directorate gives assistance to clients as required. The small business directorate also acts as a front office for applications for trade licenses. It also organises meetings with entrepreneurs on general issues as well as information meetings aimed at particular sectors of the small business community.

The Malta Enterprise agency is responsible for the promotion of foreign investment and industrial development in Malta. It offers assistance and advice to those who wish to profit from the various business and investment opportunities available.