CODE OF ETHICS
BUILDING TRUST THROUGH INTEGRITY
Edison Business Advisors adheres to the strict codes of ethics published by the two largest and most successful business brokerage associations in the world: The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF). We are committed to doing our job openly, honestly, and fairly with all parties.
Edison Business Advisors adheres to the strict codes of ethics published by the two largest and most successful business brokerage associations in the world: The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF). We are committed to doing our job openly, honestly, and fairly with all parties.
IBBA CODE OF ETHICS
The IBBA’s Code of Ethics imposes obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. We believe business brokers should be zealous in maintaining and improving ethical practices and sharing with their fellow business brokers a common responsibility for integrity and honor in their business transactions.
This Code of Ethics is the most recently enacted Code of Ethics of the IBBA by its Board of Governors and replace any previous versions. This Code of Ethics is for use by all business brokers and abided by Members of the IBBA as a means of establishing uniform ethical practices when providing business brokerage services.
The IBBA’s Code of Ethics imposes obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. We believe business brokers should be zealous in maintaining and improving ethical practices and sharing with their fellow business brokers a common responsibility for integrity and honor in their business transactions.
This Code of Ethics is the most recently enacted Code of Ethics of the IBBA by its Board of Governors and replace any previous versions. This Code of Ethics is for use by all business brokers and abided by Members of the IBBA as a means of establishing uniform ethical practices when providing business brokerage services.
While the Code of Ethics establishes obligations that may be higher or different than those mandated by law, in any instances where the Code of Ethics and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.
PREAMBLE
Business brokers and the IBBA Members support entrepreneurship and the concept that the investment risks of owning a business deserve a straightforward professional and honest presentation to both seller and buyer.
This Code of Ethics imposes obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. Business brokers and specifically Members of the IBBA must be zealous in maintaining and improving ethical practices and sharing with their fellow business brokers and Members a common responsibility for integrity and honor in their business transactions.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, business brokers must continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting the sale and purchase of businesses and be willing to share their experience with others. Business brokers and Members must strive to eliminate practices which may damage the public, clients, customers, industry/profession, or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the business brokerage profession.
Business brokers must urge sole and exclusive representation of clients, not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over competitors, and refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners.
Business brokers must pledge to observe the spirit of this Code of Ethics in all of their activities and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below:
ARTICLE 1: Business brokers must endeavor to comply with all laws within jurisdictions in which they practice.
ARTICLE 2: Business brokers should keep himself/herself informed of the trends, best practices, and changes affecting business brokerage services and opportunities.
ARTICLE 3: Business brokers must avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to properties and business transactions; however, nothing herein must be construed to obligate business brokers to discover latent defects, or advise on matters outside the scope of their expertise, or disclose facts which are confidential under the scope of agency duties owed to their clients.
ARTICLE 4: Business brokers must make a reasonable effort to protect the public and all parties in a transaction against fraud, misrepresentation(s), or unethical practice(s) in the area of business brokerage, and/or business transactions. Business brokers must not make false, misleading, or exaggerated claims about themselves, their firms, franchisors (where applicable), or their competition.
ARTICLE 5: Business brokers must encourage customers and clients to seek the services of qualified attorneys, accountants, or other professional advisors when applicable. Unless appropriately licensed, business brokers must not undertake to provide professional services requiring licensure including, but not limited to legal, accounting, tax, financial planning, and/or real-estate where doing so would be a violation of law in the jurisdiction in which the broker(s) practice(s).
ARTICLE 6: Business brokers must keep in a separate bank account, apart from their own funds, monies coming into their possessions in trust for other persons or, where such holding of trust or escrow funds is governed by law, or regulations under explicit licensures, business brokers must adhere to said laws or regulations.
ARTICLE 7: Business brokers must obtain terms and conditions of agreements in writing regarding business listings, agency relationships, or business transactions, and ensure that copies of such agreements are given to all parties involved and where applicable, in accordance with the respective laws, rules, regulations, and jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 8: Business brokers, in accepting employment as agents, must pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation of absolute loyalty and honesty to the client’s interest is primary, but it does not relieve business brokers from the obligation of dealing honestly and fairly with all parties and/or in accordance with higher fiduciary duties as required within a relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 9: Business brokers accepting compensation from more than one party, where such is allowed by law, must make written disclosure to the principals of the transaction and/or in accordance with applicable laws, rules and/or regulations within a relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 10: Business brokers must disclose, and receive consent to, and by, all parties of a dual agency relationship, or a limited dual agency relationship or a designated agency relationship, in writing and or as required by the law of agency within the relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 11: Business brokers having a present or contemplated personal or non-arm’s length interest concerning a business or a property, or their respective value, must disclose in writing such interest to the principals of the transaction.
ARTICLE 12: Business brokers, acting as an agent, accepting any commission, rebate, fees, or profit due to expenditures made on behalf of the principal must disclose in writing and obtain consent in writing from the principal.
ARTICLE 13: Business brokers undertaking to provide specialized services concerning a type of business or property or a service outside their field of competence must disclose such deficiency or facts, and/or as appropriate engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of business or property or service. Any persons engaged to provide such assistance must be so identified to the client or customer and their contribution to the assignment must be set forth.
ARTICLE 14: Business brokers must only advertise businesses as being for sale when they have written authority to do so. All offerings or promotions of business opportunities must reflect the terms consistent with those of a written agreement with the client or customer.
ARTICLE 15: All offers, written or verbal, must be submitted to the client unless otherwise directed by the client, or as required by-laws, rules or regulations of the relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 16: Business brokers must not disclose the terms of one buyer’s offer to any other buyer.
ARTICLE 17: Business brokers shall adhere to the anti-discrimination laws in force in the jurisdiction(s) in which they practice.
ARTICLE 18: The business broker must refrain from continued and prolonged association with individuals or organizations which act in a manner contrary to this Code. Such continued association is deemed as denial of this Code.
The Code of Ethics was enacted by the State Executive Committee as a means of establishing a uniform standard of conduct. Additions may be made to the Code, from time to time by the State Executive Committee, so long as the new provisions are consistent with the existing Code. We adhere to the ethical principles involved in the transfer of businesses and believe that the investment, risk, and effort required to build a profitable business deserve a fair evaluation and a straightforward, professional, and honest presentation to both sellers and buyers.
- Members should keep themselves informed as to trends affecting business opportunities.
- Members will make a reasonable effort to protect the public and all parties to a transaction against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practice.
- Members will recommend that clients and customers use attorneys and tax accountants for independent advice on transactions.
- Members will use their best efforts to see that financial obligations and commitments of all parties to a transaction are in writing and that all parties have received copies of agreement(s).
- Members will not receive compensation from more than one party without the full knowledge of all parties to the transaction. The exclusive listing of businesses should be urged and practiced by members.
- Members will not serve as principal and/or broker or appraiser of a transaction unless full disclosure is made in writing to all principals involved.
- Members should not undertake to make business appraisals that are outside or beyond the scope of their experience without first obtaining the assistance of an authority on such types of businesses.
- Members should seek no unfair advantage over their fellow members and should willingly share with them the lessons of their experience and study.
- Members will cooperate with other members on businesses listed.
- Members will not deny equal professional services to any person(s) for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, or country of national origin.
- Members will not directly solicit to or recruit other BBF members employees or agents to work for their company.
M&A SOURCE MODEL CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The M&A Source Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a set of professional standards designed to establish the minimum baseline of professional responsibility generally required of M&A Advisors who are members of the M&A Source. This Code is offered as a guideline to all M&A Advisors regardless of membership status.
While the Code establishes an aspirational set of principles that may be higher or different than those mandated by law, in any instances where the Code and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.
PREAMBLE
M&A Advisors and the M&A Source Members must strive to support entrepreneurship and the concept that the investment risks of owning a business deserve a straightforward, professional and honest presentation to both seller and buyer.
PREAMBLE
M&A Advisors and the M&A Source Members must strive to support entrepreneurship and the concept that the investment risks of owning a business deserve a straightforward, professional and honest presentation to both seller and buyer.
M&A Advisors and specifically Members of the M&A Source must strive to be zealous in maintaining and improving ethical practices and sharing with their fellow M&A Advisors and Members a common responsibility for integrity and honor in their business transactions.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients, customers, the public, and each other, M&A Advisors must continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting the sale and purchase of businesses and be willing to share their experience with others. M&A Advisors and Members must strive to eliminate practices that may damage the public, clients, customers, industry/profession, or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the M&A Advisor profession.
M&A Advisors must strive to urge sole and exclusive representation of clients, not attempt to gain an unfair advantage over competitors, and refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners.
M&A Advisors must strive to observe the spirit of this Code in all activities and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth below:
ARTICLE 1: M&A Advisors must endeavor to comply with all laws within jurisdictions in which they practice.
ARTICLE 2: M&A Advisors should keep himself/herself informed of the trends, best practices, and changes affecting M&A Advisor services.
ARTICLE 3: M&A Advisors must avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to properties and business transactions; however, nothing herein must be construed to obligate M&A Advisors to discover latent defects, or advise on matters outside the scope of their expertise, or disclose facts that are confidential under the scope of agency duties owed to their clients.
ARTICLE 4: M&A Advisors must make a reasonable effort in a transaction to protect the public and all parties against fraud, misrepresentation(s), or unethical practice(s) in the area of business transactions. M&A Advisors must not make false, misleading, or exaggerated claims about themselves, their firms, franchisors (where applicable) or their competition.
ARTICLE 5: M&A Advisors must encourage customers and clients to seek the services of qualified attorneys, accountants, or other professional advisors when applicable. Unless appropriately licensed, M&A Advisors must not undertake to provide professional services without required licensure including, but not limited to legal, accounting, tax, financial planning, and/or real-estate where doing so would be a violation of law in the jurisdiction in which the intermediary(s) practice(s).
ARTICLE 6: M&A Advisors must keep in a separate bank account, apart from their own funds, monies coming into their possessions in trust for other persons. Where such holding of trust or escrow funds is governed by law, or regulations under explicit licensures, M&A Advisors must adhere to said laws or regulations.
ARTICLE 7: M&A Advisors must obtain terms and conditions of agreements in writing regarding business listings, agency relationships, or business transactions, and ensure that copies of such agreements are given to all parties involved and where applicable, in accordance with the respective laws, rules, regulations, and jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 8: M&A Advisors, in accepting employment as agents, must endeavor to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation of absolute loyalty and honesty to the client’s interest is primary, but it does not relieve M&A Advisors from the obligation of dealing honestly and fairly with all parties and/or in accordance with higher fiduciary duties as required within a relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 9: M&A Advisors accepting compensation from more than one party, where such is allowed by law, must make written disclosure to the principals of the transaction and/or in accordance with applicable laws, rules and/or regulations within a relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 10: M&A Advisors must disclose, and receive consent to, and by, all parties of a dual agency relationship, or a limited dual agency relationship, or a designated agency relationship, in writing and or as required by the law of agency within the relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 11: M&A Advisors having a present or contemplated personal or non-arm’s length interest concerning a business or a property, or their respective value, must disclose in writing such interest to the principals of the transaction.
ARTICLE 12: M&A Advisors, acting as an agent, accepting any commission, rebate, fees, or profit due to expenditures made on behalf of the principal must disclose in writing and obtain consent in writing from the principal.
ARTICLE 13: M&A Advisors undertaking to provide specialized services concerning a type of business or property or a service outside their field of competence must disclose such deficiency or facts, and/or as appropriate engage the assistance of one who is competent in such types of business or property or service. Any persons engaged to provide such assistance must be so identified to the client or customer and their contribution to the assignment must be set forth.
ARTICLE 14: M&A Advisors must only advertise businesses as being for sale when they have written authority to do so. All offerings or promotions of businesses for sale must reflect the terms consistent with those of a written agreement with the client or customer.
ARTICLE 15: M&A Advisors must submit all offers, written or verbal, to the client unless otherwise directed by the client, or as required bylaws, rules or regulations of the relative, and/or applicable jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 16: M&A Advisors must not disclose the terms of one buyer’s offer to any other buyer.
ARTICLE 17: M&A Advisors must adhere to the anti-discrimination laws in force in the jurisdiction(s) in which they practice.
ARTICLE 18: M&A Advisors must refrain from continued and prolonged association with individuals or organizations which act in a manner contrary to this Code.
BBF CODE OF ETHICS
The Code of Ethics was enacted by the State Executive Committee as a means of establishing a uniform standard of conduct. Additions may be made to the Code, from time to time by the State Executive Committee, so long as the new provisions are consistent with the existing Code. We adhere to the ethical principles involved in the transfer of businesses and believe that the investment, risk, and effort required to build a profitable business deserve a fair evaluation and a straightforward, professional, and honest presentation to both sellers and buyers.
The Code of Ethics was enacted by the State Executive Committee as a means of establishing a uniform standard of conduct. Additions may be made to the Code, from time to time by the State Executive Committee, so long as the new provisions are consistent with the existing Code. We adhere to the ethical principles involved in the transfer of businesses and believe that the investment, risk, and effort required to build a profitable business deserve a fair evaluation and a straightforward, professional, and honest presentation to both sellers and buyers.
A. Members should keep themselves informed as to trends affecting business opportunities.
B. Members will make a reasonable effort to protect the public and all parties to a transaction against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practice.
B. Members will make a reasonable effort to protect the public and all parties to a transaction against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practice.
C. Members will recommend that clients and customers use attorneys and tax accountants for independent advice on transactions.
D. Members will use their best efforts to see that financial obligations and commitments of all parties to a transaction are in writing and that all parties have received copies of agreement(s).
E. Members will not receive compensation from more than one party without the full knowledge of all parties to the transaction.
F. The exclusive listing of businesses should be urged and practiced by members.
F. The exclusive listing of businesses should be urged and practiced by members.
G. Members will not serve as principal and/or broker or appraiser of a transaction unless full disclosure is made in writing to all principals involved.
H. Members should not undertake to make business appraisals that are outside or beyond the scope of their experience without first obtaining the assistance of an authority on such types of businesses.
I. Members should seek no unfair advantage over their fellow members and should willingly share with them the lessons of their experience and study.
J. Members will cooperate with other members on businesses listed.
K. Members will not deny equal professional services to any person(s) for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, or country of national origin.
L. Members will not directly solicit to or recruit other BBF members employees or agents to work for their company.
If you have questions about ethics, please contact us for a complimentary, confidential consultation.
If you have questions about ethics, please contact us for a complimentary, confidential consultation.
