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Asset purchases are one option when an individual or entity wants to acquire another company’s tangible or intangible assets. When purchasing or selling a business’s assets, it’s critical to execute the transaction without legal mistakes. The purchase’s structure may ultimately mean the difference between long-term success and an unprofitable transaction.
This article helps buyers and sellers understand what asset purchases are and how they work from legal and tax standpoints.
What is an Asset Purchase?
Asset purchases, also known as asset sales, occur between a seller and buyer of a company’s assets, including facilities, vehicles, equipment, stock, and inventory. Buyers and sellers use an asset purchase agreement to govern the terms of the transfer or sale.
What’s Included in an Asset Purchase?
Asset purchases include acquiring seller assets under the terms and conditions outlined in the asset purchase agreement (APA). There is a negotiation period, followed by terms drafting, and then the final signing like many contracts. Approaching the negotiation table with fundamental knowledge can produce a better result.
Here are ten terms to know about asset purchases before negotiating or signing one:
Term 1. Letter of Intent
A letters of Intent (LOI) is a proposal outlining and justifying a buyer’s objectives in cover letter format. It is a critical step in the project’s development, as it must typically be approved before any transfers can begin. An LOI is also an excellent negotiation tool so that both parties have a starting point.
Term 2. Due Diligence
Experienced buyers conduct extensive due diligence measures on the seller. Timelines should be included in your asset purchase agreements, as should corresponding representations and warranties from both parties.
Term 3. Employees
Parties should determine whether the buyer will hire any of the seller’s employees during negotiations. Otherwise, the seller is liable for paying salaries, benefits, and severance. Additionally, businesses with at least 100 employees must comply with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act , requiring you to give staff members at least 60 days’ notice of an impending mass layoff.
Term 4. Indemnification
Indemnification protects parties against misrepresentations and other types of breaches. Consider resources imposed on these indemnification provisions to deter issues from arising in the first.
Term 5. Non-Competition Agreement
Buyers may want to consider non-competition agreements and have the seller and key employees sign one. This strategy protects the value of the assets purchased. However, non-competition agreements are not legal in every jurisdiction, so you will want to determine which local rules apply to your situation before drafting an agreement.
Term 6. Price At Closing
At closing, the purchase price may need to be adjusted based on the business’s performance as indicated by financial information and due diligence reporting results. Purchase prices face adjustments for capital, valuation, revenues, and more.
Term 7. Taxation
The purchase price allocation determines how much the seller can treat as capital gains and thus benefit from a lower tax rate. Consider the tax treatment and implications carefully when drafting your agreements.
Term 8. Third-Party Permissions
Selling companies typically have contracts , leases, and other agreements requiring transfer approval. These approvals typically take a long time to obtain and should be addressed early in the transaction’s development.
Term 9. State-Specific Provisions
It is also worth remembering that some states may require specific terminology when engaging in asset purchases and business transfer agreements . An acquisitions lawyer in your state can go over the legal options available for your situation.
Term 10. Bill of Sale
Each asset must have a bill of sale to prove that ownership belongs to you or your company. The seller should provide this document to the buyer, and your APA should address stipulations surrounding its delivery.
Differences Between an Asset Purchase and Share Purchase
The difference between an asset purchase and a share purchase lies within their functionality. Asset purchases involve a specific asset purchase from another company. In contrast, share purchases involve the purchase of an entire company’s equity portfolio and, thereby, effectively purchasing the company itself.
Let’s take a closer look at share purchases below for greater insight into the differences of both structures:
What Is a Share Purchase?
Share purchases, also known as stock purchases, are when one business buys a company’s shares, in their entirety, from its shareholders. When a buyer purchases a company’s shares, they effectively acquire its entire asset base. However, shares are the only assets that change hands.
The primary legal document for selling the shares is a stock purchase agreement , which details the buyer’s acquisition terms. Stock purchase agreements are lengthy, depending on the complexity of the legal situation. The added complexity is due to buyers becoming the acquired company’s new owner and taking responsibility for all past, current, and future liabilities.
Image via Pexels by Rene
Tax Implications of an Asset Purchase
When someone purchases acquirable assets, they typically assume most liabilities, even ones from the past. Therefore, you should carefully consider the tax implications associated with asset purchases. However, buyers will be relieved to find that several advantages apply to them.
Below, we’ve outlined four tax implications of an asset purchase to consider before offering or signing one:
Implication 1. Depreciation
Capital assets are prone to depreciation over time. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes this situation and allows buyers to deduct a portion of equipment over the expected useful life each year. The higher the asset’s cost basis, the larger the allowable depreciation deductions, generating more after-tax cash flow for the acquirer than a stock sale.
Implication 2. Section 338
Section 338 of the IRS Code permits businesses to tax a stock purchase as an asset purchase. However, both parties must agree upon this election. The purchaser is responsible for any taxes incurred due to the step-up in tax basis, which results in an immediate tax liability.
Implication 3. Step-Up Basis
Buyers get a step-up basis when acquiring assets through an asset purchase transaction. The asset’s purchase price becomes the new tax basis, which is advantageous to the seller as it reduces the ultimate tax liability on sales.
Implication 4. Tax-Basis
It’s necessary to understand the tax basis to understand the associated implications fully. The tax basis of an asset is the amount of money invested by a business in that asset. When a business sells an asset for a profit, the IRS assesses capital gains taxes on the difference between the asset’s sale price and tax basis.
What is an Asset Purchase Agreement?
Asset purchase agreements, also known as asset transfer agreements , are legally binding documents governing business asset sales. With the asset purchase agreement, you will need to include exhibits to provide additional details about the transaction. The purpose of this tactic is to ensure that you account for all assets when there are many of them.
Parties can also require the seller to disclose existing contracts, employee names, licenses, permits, and debts. In summary, your APA and exhibits should describe what the asset purchase includes explicitly. You should not leave issues unresolved, as it can result in uncertainty, potential conflict, and unwanted liability.
This web page also discusses asset purchase agreements.
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Asset purchase agreement lawyers can help you navigate the legal complexities of drafting legal documents, including the application of law and negotiations. Start receiving customized proposals from award-winning lawyers today.
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Meet some of our Asset Purchase Lawyers
Forest H.
Forest is a general practice lawyer. He provides legal advice regarding small business law, contracts, estates and trusts, administrative law, corporate governance and compliance. Forest practiced complex commercial litigation in Florida for eight years, representing clients such as Host Marriott, Kellogg School of Business, and Toyota. Since moving to Nashville in 2005, he has provided legal advice to clients forming new businesses, planning for the future, and seeking funding through the use of equity and/or debt in their businesses. This advice has included the selection of business type, assistance in drafting and editing their business plans and offering material, reviewing proposed term sheets, and conducting due diligence. Forest is a member of the Florida, Tennessee, and Texas Bars; in addition. Forest has held a Series 7, General Securities Representative Exam, Series 24, General Securities Principal, and Series 63, Uniform Securities Agent State Law.
Garrett M.
Attorney Garrett Mayleben's practice is focused on representing small businesses and the working people that make them profitable. He represents companies in structuring and negotiating merger, acquisition, and real estate transactions; guides emerging companies through the startup phase; and consults with business owners on corporate governance matters. Garrett also practices in employment law, copyright and trademark law, and civil litigation. Though industry agnostic, Garrett has particular experience representing medical, dental, veterinary, and chiropractic practices in various business transactions, transitions, and the structuring of related management service organizations (MSOs).
Bryan B.
Experienced attorney and tax analyst with a history of working in the government and private industry. Skilled in Public Speaking, Contract Law, Corporate Governance, and Contract Negotiation. Strong professional graduate from Penn State Law.
August 29, 2023
Steven G.
I am an experienced transactional and trial attorney that litigates throughout Ohio. I have successfully tried numerous jury trials for clients from business disputes to those charged with offenses ranging from domestic violence to aggravated murder. My cases have been featured in the media, both television and print.
August 30, 2023
Eddy M.
I'm a seasoned corporate lawyer with industry expertise in online games, media & entertainment and general commercial matters, gained from servicing clients from seed-stage startups to multi-nationals. I started my career at a Wall Street law firm before moving to in-house roles with media, tech and gaming companies. I also have management experience in building and managing teams and businesses. In these different roles, I have worked and am an expert on multi-million dollar transactions for large companies (M&A, joint ventures) as well as routine day-to-day matters for small businesses (NDAs, vendor services agreements, commercial leases, employment contracts). But no matter the size of the company or project, the constants that I bring to every project are to provide outstanding client service, find practical solutions, and abide by the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
August 30, 2023
Joe C.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Joe Craddock represents clients in a range of litigation and transactional matters covering Contracts, Real Property, Oil and Gas, and Construction Defects.
August 30, 2023
Massa M.
Highly disciplined attorney with over seven years administrative litigation experience. Capable of analyzing complex research, data, and documentation to prepare and represent individuals in sensitive cases. Recognized as a leader with the ability to perform work both autonomously and collaboratively as a member of a diverse legal team. Great problem-solving skills, strong multitasking capabilities and works well under strict deadlines. A professional with a sense of humor, strong work ethic and ability to build trust across all levels.
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Asset Purchase
California
I am a seller .Buyer broke the contract, How do I get the earnest money in case the buyer did not agree to sign ? .
I am a seller . made a contract to sell the commercial building. But Buyer did not make to fulfill their jobs, my broker asked to sign for the deposit. They did not answer for long time. Escrow company said without both sign, can not release the deposit to the seller.
Donya G.
That is correct. The escrow agreements I have drafted or reviewed would only release the money if both parties agreed. However, the document should outline what happens when there is a dispute. You will need the document reviewed and then advised on the next steps. As a contracts attorney who has experience with contract disputes, I can assist you. If you would like to engage my services, you may contact me on the Contracts Counsel website. Donya Gordon
Business Contracts
Asset Purchase
Florida
Buying an online business
I am in the process of buying an online business. The seller send me a purchase agreement from his lawyer that needs review - how do I get a one time review of the contest to ensure my interest are maintained ?
Donya G.
Hello, This is Donya. I would love to assist you with reviewing the APA from the sellers attorney for the purchase of your online business As a contracts attorney, with over 20 years of legal and business experience, my business focuses on the purchase and sale of ecommerce and other businesses. I work with clients from international brokerage firms like Website Closers, Fortia and Flippa in the purchase and sale of assets, ecommerce stores, trademarks, patents and/or complete businesses. I have been involved with purchase and sale of a host of ecommerce companies. Within the past year, I have completed at least two dozen deals. If you would like me to assist you, you can reach out to me on the Contracts Counsel website or on my personal page on the site and send me a message or schedule a call with me. I look forward to hearing from you. Donya Gordon
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Location: New York
Turnaround: Over a week
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Doc Type: Asset Purchase (all docs)
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Bid Range: $495 - $10,000
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Possible contract draft or review for asset purchase agreement and answering questions
Location: Nevada
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