[iKwak]

Hello,
I received a billing statement with an invoice date from June 1999. We (new owners) did not operate the current business back in 1999 and the previous company did, which had the exact same business name.

We acquired the business and the business name, and the vendor thinks that we are the owner that has purchased their goods.


Apparently, we are not the purchaser of the goods or services.
If we do not call the company for more information regarding this billing statement, are we responsible in any way?

Or should I be in the safe side and call and get it resolved as soon as possible?

[justin8]

It wouldn't hurt to call and find out, just for your own peice of mind!

State laws may be different but I would think the past owner would be responsable for all past deals before you took over the business. i may be wrong though.

[mpnetwork]

I would assume when you purchased the business you assumed all debts and prior transactions.

I would assume the only way you might have recourse is if the previous owner misrepresented the business (ie - he didnt include a major debt or transaction when giving you financials).

If the invoice is significant, it may be worth it to talk to a laywer (preferrably the one who helped you purchase the business).

The company is billing from back in 1999? Seems a long long time to collect a receivable. Make sure it is a legit invoice.

If the invoice is legit, and not too big, I would probably just pay it and move on. It allows you to focus your attention on building your business, not dealing with decisions made by the prior owners.

[justin8]

Best bet is to talk to a lawer that knows your state laws and that you trust!