We are frequently asked by business owners whether they can sell their business assets after an SBA loan default. The short answer is – yes, but the longer answer involves working with the your Lender to get permission to do so. Under your security agreement the lender has what is known as a security interest.

What is a security interest?

In the context of an SBA Loan, a security interest is a legal right granted by the Borrower to the Lender over the Borrower’s property (usually referred to as the collateral). The security agreement provides the Lender Bank with recourse to the property pledged as collateral, if the debtor defaults in making payment or otherwise performing the secured obligations.

How do I know if my business assets are pledged?

Any Borrower closing an SBA loan should expect the Lender to place a blanket lien against the assets of the business. Lenders will file a UCC-1 financing statement. This form is filed in order to “perfect” a creditor’s security interest by giving public notice that there is a right to take possession of and sell certain assets for repayment of a specific debt with a certain priority. You cannot sell assets subject to such a security interest without first paying off the loan giving rise to the security interest in full or getting permission from the Lender to to do so.

I have a buyer for the business assets. What can I do?

If you want to sell the assets of the business to help pay down the loan, you should discuss this option with your attorney before making a commitment to any party to do so. Your attorney may suggest drafting a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) and forwarding this to the Lender for review. Lenders liquidating collateral must take care to act in a prudent manner or risk losing their SBA guaranty rights. Therefore, a Lender will want to compare the offer in the LOI to their appraisal numbers before approving a sale.

You should avoid signing any contract for the sale of your business assets unless your attorney has reviewed it first. In many cases a “condition precedent” to closing the sale should require a written consent by the Lender approving the terms of the sale – in particular, the sale price and the list of assets being sold.

What if my offer is not accepted by the Lender?

If your offer is not accepted by the Lender you should discuss this fact with your attorney. Without the Lender’s consent to the sale, they will not release the lien placed on the business assets and you will not be able to grant the buyer good clean title to the assets; this is something the buyer expects. In most cases, the buyer’s attorney will have required a representation and warranty from you that you do indeed have the ability to give the buyer title to the assets free and clear of all liens.

Asset Sales are Common, but Use Caution.

If you sell your business assets to a buyer without first obtaining bank approval, you may be subject to suit from the buyer, the Lender, and the SBA (in some cases, your actions may trigger prosecution for a criminal offense). Therefore, it is critical that you act carefully and seek qualified legal counsel to help you review offers from any prospective buyer.