ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
[// GUIDANCE: Insert project name or abbreviated deal description if desired]
This Asset Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of [●] (the “Effective Date”) by and between:
- [SELLER LEGAL NAME], a [●] organized under the laws of [State/Country of Formation] (“Seller”); and
- [BUYER LEGAL NAME], a [●] organized under the laws of [State/Country of Formation] (“Buyer”).
Seller and Buyer are sometimes referred to in this Agreement individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[// GUIDANCE: Update page/section numbers after finalizing]
- Definitions
- Purchase and Sale of Assets
- Assumed Liabilities; Excluded Liabilities
- Purchase Price; Payment Mechanics
- Closing; Deliverables
- Representations and Warranties of Seller
- Representations and Warranties of Buyer
- Covenants
- Conditions Precedent
- Post-Closing Adjustments
- Indemnification; Basket and Cap
- Limitations of Liability
- Termination
- Dispute Resolution
- Miscellaneous
- Execution Page
Schedules & Exhibits (listed on signature page)
RECITALS
A. Seller owns and operates the business known as “[●]” (the “Business”) and desires to sell, transfer, and assign to Buyer substantially all of the assets used in the Business.
B. Buyer desires to purchase the Assets (as defined below) and to assume only the Assumed Liabilities (as defined below) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
C. The Parties intend that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Transactions”) qualify as a sale of assets for all applicable purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, representations, warranties, and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
[// GUIDANCE: Keep definitions alphabetical and cross-reference terms consistently]
“Accounts Receivable” means all trade accounts, notes, and other amounts receivable of Seller arising out of the operation of the Business before the Closing.
“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in 17 C.F.R. § 230.405.
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.
“Assumed Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited balance sheet of the Business as of [Fiscal Year-End] and the related statements of income and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended.
“Basket” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(a).
“Business Day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in [Governing Law State].
“Cap” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.4(b).
“Claim Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5(a).
“Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Closing Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1.
“Contracts” means all written or oral contracts, leases, licenses, purchase orders, sales orders, instruments, and other agreements relating to the Business.
“Excluded Assets” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2.
“Excluded Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
“Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulatory organization or quasi-governmental authority.
“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5(a).
“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5(a).
“Intellectual Property” means all trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names, and other intellectual property rights used in the Business.
“Law” means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, order, or requirement of any Governmental Authority.
“Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any change, event, circumstance, or effect that is materially adverse to the Assets, the Business, or Seller’s ability to consummate the Transactions, taken as a whole, except for any change generally affecting (i) the economy or securities markets, (ii) the industry in which the Business operates, or (iii) political, legislative, or regulatory conditions.
“Permits” means all licenses, permits, certificates, clearances, and approvals issued by any Governmental Authority and used in the operation of the Business.
“Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
“Tax” or “Taxes” means all federal, state, local, and foreign income, gross receipts, franchise, payroll, employment, sales, use, property, excise, value-added, stamp, duties, and any other taxes, fees, assessments, withholdings, or charges of any kind.
“Territory” means [●].
“Third-Party Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.5(b).
[// GUIDANCE: Insert additional transaction-specific definitions as needed]
2. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ASSETS
2.1 Assets to Be Purchased. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at the Closing Seller shall sell, transfer, assign, convey, and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase from Seller, all right, title, and interest in and to all of the assets, properties, and rights of Seller used in or relating to the Business, whether tangible or intangible, real, personal, or mixed, wherever located and whether or not reflected on the books and records of Seller, including the following (collectively, the “Assets”):
(a) Accounts Receivable;
(b) inventory, raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, supplies, and packing materials;
(c) machinery, equipment, vehicles, tools, furniture, fixtures, computers, and other tangible personal property;
(d) Contracts set forth on Schedule 2.1(d);
(e) Intellectual Property and the goodwill associated therewith;
(f) Permits set forth on Schedule 2.1(f), to the extent transferable;
(g) books and records relating primarily to the Assets or the Business;
(h) all prepaid expenses, deposits, and security deposits; and
(i) all goodwill associated with the Business and the Assets.
2.2 Excluded Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Assets shall exclude, and Seller shall retain, the assets listed on Schedule 2.2 (the “Excluded Assets”), including:
(a) Seller’s organizational documents, minute books, and other corporate records;
(b) cash, cash equivalents, and bank accounts; and
(c) any assets expressly designated as “Excluded” on Schedule 2.2.
3. ASSUMED LIABILITIES; EXCLUDED LIABILITIES
3.1 Assumed Liabilities. Buyer shall assume only the following liabilities of Seller (collectively, the “Assumed Liabilities”):
(a) obligations arising after the Closing under the Contracts included in the Assets, but solely to the extent such obligations do not relate to any breach, default, or violation prior to Closing;
(b) trade accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business and reflected on the Closing Balance Sheet; and
(c) liabilities expressly set forth on Schedule 3.1.
3.2 Excluded Liabilities. Except for the Assumed Liabilities, Buyer shall not assume, and Seller shall retain and be solely responsible for, any liabilities or obligations of Seller of any kind, whether known or unknown, absolute or contingent (collectively, the “Excluded Liabilities”), including:
(a) Taxes attributable to periods ending on or before the Closing Date;
(b) any liability under any employee benefit plan;
(c) product liability claims arising from products sold prior to Closing; and
(d) any liability arising out of environmental matters related to pre-Closing operations.
4. PURCHASE PRICE; PAYMENT MECHANICS
4.1 Purchase Price. The aggregate purchase price for the Assets shall be:
(a) a cash payment of $[●] (the “Cash Consideration”);
(b) the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities; and
(c) contingent earn-out payments, if any, calculated in accordance with Schedule 4.1(c).
The Cash Consideration and earn-out, together with the Assumed Liabilities, are referred to collectively as the “Purchase Price.”
4.2 Deposit. Within [●] Business Days after execution of this Agreement, Buyer shall deposit $[●] (the “Deposit”) with [Escrow Agent Name] (the “Escrow Agent”) pursuant to the escrow agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Escrow Agreement”).
4.3 Payment of Cash Consideration. At Closing, Buyer shall deliver the Cash Consideration as follows:
(a) by wire transfer of immediately available funds, less the Deposit, to an account designated in writing by Seller at least two (2) Business Days prior to Closing; and
(b) the Deposit shall be released from escrow to Seller in accordance with the Escrow Agreement.
4.4 Purchase Price Allocation. Within ninety (90) days after Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller a schedule allocating the Purchase Price among the Assets in accordance with Section 1060 of the Internal Revenue Code.
4.5 Withholding. Buyer shall be entitled to withhold from the Purchase Price all amounts required to be withheld under applicable Tax Laws.
5. CLOSING; DELIVERABLES
5.1 Closing. The closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”) shall take place on [●] (the “Closing Date”) at [●] a.m./p.m. local time at [Closing Location] or remotely by exchange of electronic signatures and documents.
5.2 Seller Closing Deliverables. At Closing, Seller shall deliver to Buyer:
(a) a bill of sale, duly executed by Seller, substantially in the form of Exhibit B;
(b) assignment and assumption agreements for the Contracts, Intellectual Property, and Permits, each duly executed by Seller;
(c) possession of the tangible Assets;
(d) certificates of title for titled Assets, endorsed for transfer;
(e) a certificate of good standing of Seller from its jurisdiction of formation dated within ten (10) days of Closing; and
(f) such other instruments as Buyer may reasonably request.
5.3 Buyer Closing Deliverables. At Closing, Buyer shall deliver to Seller:
(a) the Cash Consideration as set forth in Section 4.3;
(b) the assumption agreements duly executed by Buyer;
(c) a certificate of good standing of Buyer from its jurisdiction of formation dated within ten (10) days of Closing; and
(d) such other instruments as Seller may reasonably request.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
[// GUIDANCE: Consider attaching disclosure schedules to qualify reps]
Seller represents and warrants to Buyer as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:
6.1 Organization, Authority, and Qualification. Seller is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.
6.2 Title to Assets; Sufficiency. Seller has good and marketable title to the Assets, free and clear of all liens except Permitted Liens specified on Schedule 6.2. The Assets, together with the Excluded Assets, constitute all of the assets necessary to operate the Business in substantially the same manner as currently conducted.
6.3 No Conflicts; Consents. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Seller do not (a) violate any Law, (b) conflict with Seller’s organizational documents, or (c) require any consent, approval, or notice under any Contract, except as set forth on Schedule 6.3.
6.4 Financial Statements. Seller has delivered to Buyer the Audited Financial Statements, which fairly present in all material respects the financial position of the Business as of the dates indicated.
6.5 Compliance with Laws. Seller is in material compliance with all Laws applicable to the Business or the Assets.
6.6 Permits. Seller holds all Permits necessary to operate the Business as currently conducted, all of which are listed on Schedule 2.1(f).
6.7 Intellectual Property. Schedule 6.7 sets forth a true and complete list of all registered Intellectual Property. Seller owns or has valid licenses to use all Intellectual Property used in the Business.
6.8 Taxes. All Tax Returns required to be filed by Seller have been timely filed, and all Taxes due and owing have been paid.
6.9 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 6.9, there are no pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened claims, actions, or proceedings relating to the Business or the Assets.
6.10 Brokers. Seller has not incurred any obligation for brokerage or finder’s fees in connection with the Transactions.
[// GUIDANCE: Add industry-specific reps as needed (e.g., environmental, data privacy)]
6.11 Survival. The representations and warranties in this Article 6 shall survive the Closing for a period of [●] months, except for Fundamental Representations (Organization, Title to Assets, Taxes, and Brokers), which shall survive until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations plus 60 days.
7. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer represents and warrants to Seller as of the Effective Date and as of the Closing Date as follows:
7.1 Organization and Authority. Buyer is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder.
7.2 No Conflicts; Consents. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement by Buyer do not (a) violate any Law, (b) conflict with Buyer’s organizational documents, or (c) require any consent, approval, or notice under any Contract.
7.3 Financing. Buyer has sufficient cash on hand, available lines of credit, or other sources of immediately available funds to pay the Purchase Price and consummate the Transactions.
7.4 Brokers. Buyer has not incurred any obligation for brokerage or finder’s fees in connection with the Transactions.
7.5 Solvency. Immediately after giving effect to the Transactions, Buyer will be solvent.
7.6 Survival. The representations and warranties in this Article 7 shall survive the Closing for a period of [●] months.
8. COVENANTS
8.1 Conduct of Business Prior to Closing. From the Effective Date until the Closing Date, Seller shall (a) operate the Business in the ordinary course consistent with past practice, (b) maintain the Assets in good condition (normal wear and tear excepted), and (c) refrain from any action that would reasonably be expected to cause any representation or warranty in Article 6 to be untrue.
8.2 Access to Information. Seller shall, upon reasonable notice, afford Buyer and its representatives reasonable access to the Assets, Contracts, and books and records of the Business.
8.3 Confidentiality. The Parties shall maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information regarding the Business and the terms of this Agreement, except as required by Law.
8.4 Employees and Benefit Plans. Buyer may, but is not obligated to, offer employment to any employee of Seller. Seller shall remain responsible for all liabilities under any employee benefit plan arising prior to the Closing.
8.5 Non-Competition; Non-Solicitation. For a period of [●] years following the Closing Date, Seller shall not (a) engage in any business that competes with the Business within the Territory, or (b) solicit or hire any employee of Buyer who was employed by Seller on the Closing Date.
8.6 Further Assurances. From time to time after Closing, each Party shall execute and deliver such additional documents and take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary to consummate the Transactions and fully carry out the intent of this Agreement.
9. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
9.1 Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. Buyer’s obligations to consummate the Closing are subject to fulfillment (or waiver by Buyer) of the following conditions:
(a) the representations and warranties of Seller shall be true and correct in all material respects;
(b) Seller shall have performed in all material respects all covenants required by this Agreement;
(c) receipt of all necessary consents and approvals listed on Schedule 9.1(c); and
(d) no injunction or other legal restraint shall be in effect prohibiting the Closing.
9.2 Conditions to Obligations of Seller. Seller’s obligations to consummate the Closing are subject to fulfillment (or waiver by Seller) of the following conditions:
(a) the representations and warranties of Buyer shall be true and correct in all material respects;
(b) Buyer shall have performed in all material respects all covenants required by this Agreement; and
(c) no injunction or other legal restraint shall be in effect prohibiting the Closing.
10. POST-CLOSING ADJUSTMENTS
[// GUIDANCE: Customary for working capital adjustments; adjust as needed]
10.1 Closing Balance Sheet. Within sixty (60) days after Closing, Buyer shall prepare and deliver to Seller an unaudited balance sheet of the Business as of the Closing Date (the “Closing Balance Sheet”).
10.2 Dispute Resolution. If Seller disagrees with the Closing Balance Sheet, Seller shall notify Buyer within thirty (30) days, and the Parties shall attempt to resolve the dispute; failing which, either Party may submit the matter to [Independent Accounting Firm] for binding resolution.
10.3 Payment of Adjustment. Any adjustment owed to Seller or Buyer shall be paid within five (5) Business Days after final determination, together with interest at the rate of [●] % per annum.
11. INDEMNIFICATION; BASKET AND CAP
11.1 Indemnification by Seller. Subject to the limitations in this Article 11, Seller shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Buyer and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents, from and against any and all losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (“Losses”) arising out of:
(a) any breach of a representation or warranty of Seller contained in this Agreement;
(b) any breach of a covenant or agreement of Seller contained in this Agreement; or
(c) any Excluded Liability.
11.2 Indemnification by Buyer. Buyer shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Seller and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and agents, from and against any and all Losses arising out of:
(a) any breach of a representation or warranty of Buyer contained in this Agreement;
(b) any breach of a covenant or agreement of Buyer contained in this Agreement; or
(c) any Assumed Liability.
11.3 Exclusive Remedy. Except for claims based on fraud or willful misconduct, the indemnification provisions of this Article 11 constitute the exclusive remedy of the Parties for any breach of this Agreement.
11.4 Basket and Cap.
(a) Basket. Seller shall not be liable for indemnification under Section 11.1(a) unless and until the aggregate Losses exceed $[Basket Amount] (the “Basket”), in which event Seller shall be liable for all Losses in excess of the Basket.
(b) Cap. Seller’s aggregate liability for indemnification under Section 11.1(a) shall not exceed $[Cap Amount] (the “Cap”).
(c) Exclusions. The Basket and Cap shall not apply to (i) breaches of Fundamental Representations, (ii) breaches of covenants, or (iii) Excluded Liabilities.
11.5 Indemnification Procedures.
(a) Claim Notice. A Party seeking indemnification (the “Indemnified Party”) shall promptly notify the Party from whom indemnification is sought (the “Indemnifying Party”) of any claim or demand (a “Claim Notice”). Failure to give timely notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations except to the extent prejudiced by such failure.
(b) Third-Party Claims. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to assume the defense of any third-party claim at its expense and with counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party.
(c) Cooperation. The Indemnified Party shall cooperate in the defense and furnish such records, information, and testimony as reasonably requested.
(d) Settlements. No settlement of any claim shall be entered into without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
11.6 Treatment of Indemnity Payments. Any indemnity payment made under this Agreement shall be treated as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for Tax purposes, unless otherwise required by Law.
12. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
12.1 Consequential Damages. Except in the case of fraud, willful misconduct, or claims for indemnification under Article 11, neither Party shall be liable to the other for punitive, special, or consequential damages, including lost profits, arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
12.2 Liability Cap Reinforcement. The limitations set forth in Section 11.4 and this Article 12 reflect the negotiated allocation of risk and are intended to be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law.
13. TERMINATION
13.1 Termination Events. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to Closing:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Parties;
(b) by either Party if the Closing has not occurred on or before [Outside Date], provided such Party is not then in breach;
(c) by Buyer if any condition in Section 9.1 becomes incapable of fulfillment; or
(d) by Seller if any condition in Section 9.2 becomes incapable of fulfillment.
13.2 Effect of Termination. Upon termination, this Agreement shall become void and of no further force and effect, except for Sections 8.3 (Confidentiality), 13.2 (Effect of Termination), 14 (Dispute Resolution), and 15 (Miscellaneous), which shall survive.
13.3 Deposit. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 13.1(b) due to Seller’s breach, the Deposit shall be returned to Buyer; otherwise, the Deposit shall be released to Seller.
14. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract, tort, or statute) arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of the State of [●], without giving effect to any choice-of-law principles that would result in application of the Laws of another jurisdiction.
14.2 Forum Selection; Consent to Jurisdiction. Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in [County], [State] for any suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, and waives any objection based on forum non conveniens or improper venue.
14.3 Optional Arbitration. [OPTIONAL—ELECT IF DESIRED] Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement may, upon mutual written agreement of the Parties, be finally resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, with the seat of arbitration in [City, State]. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
14.4 Jury Trial Waiver. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
14.5 Equitable Relief. The Parties acknowledge that a breach of this Agreement may cause irreparable harm for which monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, each Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief, specific performance, or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction without the necessity of posting bond.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Notices. All notices shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when delivered in person, by nationally recognized overnight courier, or by email with confirmation of receipt, addressed as set forth on Schedule 15.1 (or such other address as a Party may designate).
15.2 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or waived only by a written instrument signed by the Party against whom enforcement is sought.
15.3 Assignment. Neither Party may assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party, except that Buyer may assign its rights to an Affiliate or financing source, provided Buyer remains liable.
15.4 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
15.5 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the invalid provision shall be interpreted to achieve the intent of the Parties to the greatest extent possible.
15.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Schedules and Exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements.
15.7 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and together shall constitute one instrument. Signatures delivered by .pdf or other electronic means shall be deemed original signatures and shall be binding.
15.8 Construction. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. The word “including” means “including without limitation.”
15.9 Prevailing Party Fees. In any action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
15.10 UCC Compliance. To the extent any of the Assets constitute “goods” under Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, title shall pass to Buyer at Closing. U.C.C. § 2-401 (AM. LAW INST. & UNIF. LAW COMM'N 2022).
16. EXECUTION PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Asset Purchase Agreement as of the Effective Date.
SELLER:
[SELLER LEGAL NAME]
By: _____
Name: _____
Title: _______
BUYER:
[BUYER LEGAL NAME]
By: _____
Name: _____
Title: _______
LIST OF SCHEDULES & EXHIBITS
[// GUIDANCE: Tailor schedules and exhibits to the deal]
• Schedule 2.1(d) – Assigned Contracts
• Schedule 2.1(f) – Transferred Permits
• Schedule 2.2 – Excluded Assets
• Schedule 3.1 – Assumed Liabilities
• Schedule 6.2 – Permitted Liens
• Schedule 6.3 – Required Consents
• Schedule 6.7 – Intellectual Property
• Schedule 6.9 – Litigation
• Schedule 9.1(c) – Buyer Required Consents
• Schedule 15.1 – Notice Addresses
• Exhibit A – Escrow Agreement
• Exhibit B – Bill of Sale
• Exhibit C – Assignment and Assumption Agreement
• Exhibit D – IP Assignment
• Exhibit E – [Optional] Non-Competition Agreement