In justice to those who place their interests in a Business Broker’s care, the Business Broker should keep informed as to trends affecting businesses in the community.
Article Two
The Business Broker shall make reasonable efforts to protect the public and all parties to a transaction against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practices with respect to the subject business transaction.
Article Three
The Business Broker should not engage in the practice of law and has the responsibility to recommend that Clients use attorneys for legal advice. The Business Broker should not create original financial statements and tax returns for Clients and has the responsibility to recommend that Clients use tax accountants for independent advice on transactions.
Article Four
The Business Broker should keep in a special trust account, separated from the Broker’s own funds, monies placed in trust for other persons.
Article Five
The Business Broker, for the protection of all parties, should see that the financial obligations and commitments regarding business transactions are in writing, expressing exact agreement of the parties. The Business Broker should also see that copies of such agreements are made available to all parties involved.
Article Six
A Business Broker, in accepting employment as an agent, pledges to protect and promote the interest of the Client. This obligation of absolute loyalty and honesty to the Client’s interest is primary, but it does not relieve the Broker from the obligation of dealing fairly with all parties to the transaction.
Article Seven
If the Business Broker is representing one or another party to a transaction, the Broker should not accept compensation from more than one party without the full knowledge of all parties to the transaction.
Article Eight
The Business Broker shall not serve as both principal and Agent or consultant on a transaction unless full disclosure is made in writing to all parties involved.
Article Nine
The listing of a business should be in writing in accordance with GA Law under BRETTA. It is urged, though not required, that the listing be an exclusive listing. Only exclusive listings may be offered in the Association multi-list. If a listing is not exclusive, full disclosure must be made of that fact to any co-operating Brokers.
Article Ten
The Business Broker, when acting as an agent in the management of a business, should not accept any commission, rebate, or profit on expenditures made for the owner, without the owner’s knowledge and consent.
Article Eleven
Unless the extent or lack of experience of the Business Broker is fully disclosed to the Client, the Broker should not undertake to make any business assessments that are outside or beyond the scope of the Broker’s experience without first obtaining the assistance of a qualified professional.
Article Twelve
A Business Broker, when making a formal valuation or appraisal of a business, should not render an opinion without careful and thorough analysis and interpretation of all market and economic factors affecting the value of the business.
Article Thirteen
When employment or fee is contingent upon the amount of an appraisal or valuation, the Business Broker should not undertake to make an appraisal or render an opinion of value on any property in which the Broker has a present or contemplated interest, unless such interest is specifically disclosed in the appraisal.
Article Fourteen
The Business Broker should not submit or advertise businesses without written authority; in any offerings the price quoted should be agreed upon with the Seller. The Business Broker should always have a written Brokerage Engagement, providing authorization to sell or purchase, as appropriate, from the prospective seller or purchaser. Said agreement should include all the material terms of the sale or purchase, including price, terms of agreement, and compensation to be paid to the Business Broker.
Article Fifteen
All bona fide offers will be submitted to the seller. The decision to accept or to reject an offer remains with the seller at all times.
Article Sixteen
The Business Broker will not engage in the practice of disclosing one buyer’s offer to another buyer as a sales technique.
Article Seventeen
The Business Broker should seek no unfair advantage over fellow Brokers and should willingly share with them the lessons gained from experience and study.
Article Eighteen
The Business Broker should conduct business to avoid controversies with fellow Brokers, cooperate with the Association and its officers in all matters, including investigation, censure, discipline, or dismissal of members who, by their conduct prejudice their professional status or the reputation of the Association.
Article Nineteen
The Business Broker will maintain the necessary confidentiality while conducting the sale of the business, and will require the same whether from prospective buyers or other Brokers.
Article Twenty
The Business Broker shall not deny equal professional services to, nor be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against, any person for reasons of race, creed, sex, religion, or country of national origin.
Article Twenty-One
In the best interest of the Association, society, fellow Brokers and associates, the Business Broker should be loyal to the community and active in the field of Business Brokerage.