For Sellers
If you are reading this, you were probably contacted by me or one of my associates. You are an owner of corporation that offered engineering services and was incorporated prior to June 5, 1969.
We have successfully purchased and reinstated numerous Pre-69 corporations in North Carolina. Our process is straightforward, fully compliant with state law, and designed to make the transaction easy for you as the seller.
Why would anyone be interested in buying my company when it’s been dissolved for years?
North Carolina’s corporate practice laws can make it difficult — or even impossible — for publicly traded companies, private equity–backed firms, and large multi-disciplinary engineering organizations to operate here.
Your corporation has a special exemption that applies only to corporations formed before 1969. That “grandfathered” status allows us to provide a legal pathway for firms to meet North Carolina licensing requirements and keep their business model intact.
Do I need to pay back taxes or fees?
No. We cover all reinstatement costs, including back taxes, penalties, and annual reports. There is never any cost to you as the seller.
What about taxes on the money I receive?
Most sellers treat the proceeds as capital gains, but you should confirm with your tax advisor.
Will I have any liability after the sale?
No. The reason you incorporated in the first place was to shield yourself from personal liability. Once ownership transfers, any future issues with the corporation become our responsibility, not yours.
How much is it worth?
It depends on several factors:
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How long has the company been dissolved?
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Does it have a history of lawsuits, judgements, or liens?
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Are there unpaid taxes?
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Did the company ever work with asbestos
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Demand in the market.
We typically look for corporations that have been dissolved for many years, since these usually carry little or no risk. The lower the perceived risk, the higher the value.
How and when do I get paid?
Payment is made in full at closing, typically by certified check or wire transfer.
What exactly are you buying?
We purchase 100% of the corporate stock of your dissolved corporation, transferring complete ownership to us. The sale is completed with a simple Stock Purchase Agreement or Bill of Sale. We understand that most corporate records have long since been destroyed. If you can confirm that you are the rightful owner (or heir), that is sufficient.
What if the corporation belonged to my deceased parent?
You can still sell it. In those cases, ownership would have passed through the estate to you. We have successfully purchased corporations from heirs before.
Do I need a lawyer?
That’s entirely up to you. Some sellers read and sign the Bill of Sale directly. Others ask their attorney to review it. We are open to edits and encourage you to do whatever makes you comfortable. All agreements are in writing, and you are welcome to have your attorney review any documents before signing.
Do you need anything from me, other than a signature?
Maybe. Sometimes it’s helpful if you could answer a few questions such as:
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When did the business last operate?
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When did the company last have employees?
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Do you know the last address of the corporation?
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Do you know if it was a C-corp or S-corp?
How long will this take?
Most sales close in 30–90 days, depending on how quickly documents are signed.
I think I have a company that qualifies but I’m not sure, can you help?
Yes. Reach out to us and we will do a free assessment of your corporation and determine if you qualify.
What happens after the sale?
We handle reinstatement, which includes lifting suspensions, paying back taxes, filing missing reports, and restoring the corporation to good standing.
Will the corporation’s name remain the same or will it be changed?
Usually yes. The only exceptions are if:
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The seller prefers the name be changed, or
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The name contains “Engineering” or “Surveying,” which triggers additional licensing requirements.
What if my company is still active but I want to close it?
We can still work with you. However, active businesses carry some “tail risk” for 7–10 years after closing, which affects value. Importantly, do not file Articles of Dissolution — that would prevent reinstatement and make the corporation unusable.
Is this legitimate?
We know this may sound unusual. We are a professional, credible buyer with a track record of successfully completing transactions for pre-1969 corporations in North Carolina. We are glad to provide references from past sellers.
Is the transaction confidential?
Yes. All details of your sale remain private.
Why should I do this?
Most sellers never realized their dissolved corporation had value. For many, this feels like “found money.” We’ve seen sellers use the proceeds for family vacations, grandchildren’s college funds, or charitable donations. Others value the chance to see a company their family started decades ago continue to play a role in North Carolina’s business landscape.
If you think your corporation may qualify, or if you simply want to learn more, please reach out. We’ll provide a free assessment, answer your questions, and explain exactly how the process works before you make any decisions.