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Asset Purchase Agreement
I need an asset purchase agreement for acquiring a company������������������������s assets valued at $5 million, with a closing date within 60 days, including representations, warranties, and a non-compete clause for 3 years.
What is an Asset Purchase Agreement?
An Asset Purchase Agreement spells out the terms when one business buys specific assets from another company rather than purchasing the entire business. These agreements detail exactly which assets are being sold - from equipment and inventory to customer lists and intellectual property - along with their agreed prices and transfer conditions.
The agreement protects both buyer and seller by clearly documenting what's included in the sale, any assumed liabilities, required regulatory approvals, and key warranties about the assets' condition. It differs from stock purchases because it lets buyers cherry-pick desired assets while avoiding unwanted obligations, making it a popular choice for strategic acquisitions under U.S. commercial law.
When should you use an Asset Purchase Agreement?
Use an Asset Purchase Agreement when buying specific parts of a business without taking on the entire company. It's particularly valuable when you want to acquire valuable equipment, intellectual property, or customer relationships while leaving behind unwanted liabilities or underperforming divisions.
This agreement makes the most sense during strategic acquisitions where picking and choosing assets gives you better control and lower risk. For example, a manufacturing company might use it to buy only the profitable product lines and essential equipment from a competitor, or a tech firm might acquire just the patents and customer contracts they need, leaving other obligations with the seller.
What are the different types of Asset Purchase Agreement?
- Asset For Share Agreement: Used when selling assets in exchange for shares in the buying company instead of cash, common in corporate restructuring and tax-efficient transactions
- Assumed Liabilities Asset Purchase Agreement: Specifically outlines which debts and obligations the buyer will take on along with the assets, critical for deals where liability transfer is a key negotiation point
- Clean Asset Purchase: Involves minimal liability transfer, with the seller retaining most obligations - ideal for buyers seeking specific assets without complications
- Industry-Specific Agreements: Tailored versions for sectors like manufacturing, technology, or real estate, with specialized provisions for unique asset types
Who should typically use an Asset Purchase Agreement?
- Business Owners/Sellers: Companies or individuals selling specific business assets, responsible for disclosing asset conditions and existing liabilities
- Acquiring Companies: Businesses purchasing selected assets, often represented by their executive team and board of directors
- Corporate Attorneys: Draft and review the Asset Purchase Agreement, ensure legal compliance, and protect their clients' interests during negotiations
- Financial Advisors: Help structure deals, value assets, and assess tax implications of the transaction
- Due Diligence Teams: Investigate and verify asset conditions, titles, and potential liabilities before closing
- Regulatory Bodies: May need to approve certain asset transfers, especially in regulated industries like healthcare or banking
How do you write an Asset Purchase Agreement?
- Asset Inventory: Create a detailed list of all assets being purchased, including descriptions, locations, and current market values
- Due Diligence Documents: Gather titles, warranties, maintenance records, and any existing contracts tied to the assets
- Purchase Terms: Define payment structure, closing date, and any conditions that must be met before transfer
- Liability Assessment: Document which debts or obligations will transfer with the assets
- Regulatory Requirements: Identify any needed government approvals or industry-specific compliance matters
- Key Contacts: List authorized representatives from both parties who will handle negotiations and signing
- Draft Review: Our platform generates a customized agreement incorporating all these elements, ensuring legal compliance
What should be included in an Asset Purchase Agreement?
- Parties and Recitals: Clear identification of buyer, seller, and basic transaction background
- Asset Description: Detailed list of assets being transferred, including physical property, contracts, and intellectual property
- Purchase Price: Exact amount, payment terms, and any price adjustments or earnout provisions
- Representations and Warranties: Seller's guarantees about asset condition, ownership, and absence of liens
- Assumed Liabilities: Specific obligations the buyer will take on with the assets
- Closing Conditions: Required approvals, consents, and circumstances for deal completion
- Indemnification: Protection against future claims or undisclosed issues
- Governing Law: State jurisdiction and dispute reºìÐÓÖ±²¥ procedures
What's the difference between an Asset Purchase Agreement and a Stock Purchase Agreement?
The Asset Purchase Agreement differs significantly from a Stock Purchase Agreement, though both facilitate business acquisitions. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right approach for your transaction.
- Transaction Scope: Asset Purchase Agreements let buyers select specific assets to acquire, while Stock Purchase Agreements transfer ownership of the entire company through its shares
- Liability Transfer: With asset purchases, buyers can exclude unwanted liabilities; stock purchases automatically include all company obligations
- Tax Implications: Asset deals typically offer better tax advantages for buyers through depreciation of stepped-up assets, while stock deals usually favor sellers tax-wise
- Complexity Level: Asset purchases require detailed asset schedules and multiple transfer documents, making them more complex than stock deals which need only one main agreement
- Third-Party Consents: Asset purchases often need individual contract assignments and permits transferred, while stock deals generally preserve existing relationships
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