Business Opportunity

In real estate practice, a business opportunity refers to the sale or lease of the assets of an existing business enterprise, including its tangible assets and intangible value such as goodwill. Goodwill may consist of the business’s reputation, customer base, brand recognition, and ongoing profitability. As defined under Real Estate Law, the term includes transactions involving the sale or lease of both the business itself and its associated goodwill, even when the real property is leased rather than owned. Because these transactions often involve an interest in real property (such as a commercial lease) they are subject to real estate licensing laws and typically require the involvement of a licensed real estate broker. Business opportunity transactions differ from the sale of real estate alone, as they focus on the continued operation and value of the enterprise in addition to the property rights involved.