Buying or Selling Your Business
When it comes to selling a small business, there are two main types of transactions: asset sales and stock sales. Each type of sale has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the difference between them before making a decision. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of asset sales and stock sales, and offer tips for choosing the right type of transaction for your business.
What is an Asset Sale?
In an asset sale, the buyer purchases the assets of the business, rather than the business itself. This typically includes tangible assets such as inventory, equipment, and real estate, as well as intangible assets such as intellectual property, goodwill, and customer lists. The seller retains ownership of the business entity, including any outstanding debts or legal liabilities.
Advantages of an Asset Sale
From the buyer’s perspective, there are several advantages to an asset sale, including:
- Reduced Liability: By buying only the assets of the business, the buyer can reduce its exposure to the seller’s legal liabilities and debts.
- Flexibility: The buyer can pick and choose which assets to purchase, allowing the buyer to customize the transaction to their specific needs.
- Taxes: An asset sale is generally advantageous to the buyer. Generally, the buyer will be able to amortize the purchase price of the assets and deduct it against the buyer’s taxable income. This is not true for a stock sale.
Disadvantages of an Asset Sale
There are also some disadvantages to an asset sale, including:
- Increased Complexity: Because the buyer must purchase each asset individually, an asset sale can be more complex and time-consuming than a stock sale.
- Re-Establishing Business Relationships: The buyer will need to re-establish the business’s relationships, contracts, and accounts under the buyer’s name, including leases and employment relationships. In some situations, this can be problematic.
- Taxes: An asset sale is generally less advantageous for the seller. Usually, some of the assets will be subject to tax at rates that are higher than capital gains tax rates. And if the seller is a C-corporation, the C-corporation will have to pay tax on the gains from the sale, and the shareholders will have to pay tax again at the shareholder level when the funds are distributed.
What is a Stock Sale?
In a stock sale, the buyer purchases the stock of the business, which includes all of the assets, liabilities, and legal obligations of the business. This means that the buyer takes ownership of the entire business entity, including its name, contracts, and relationships.
Advantages of a Stock Sale
There are several advantages to a stock sale, including:
- Simplicity: A stock sale is generally simpler and faster than an asset sale, as the buyer does not need to purchase each asset individually and will not need to re-establish business relationships, contracts, or accounts.
- Taxes: A stock sale is usually beneficial to the seller, because the proceeds will generally be taxed as capital gains. And if the company is a C-corporation, selling the shares will avoid the two layers of taxation that would occur with an asset sale followed by a distribution of cash to the shareholders.
Disadvantages of a Stock Sale
There are also some disadvantages to a stock sale, including:
- Increased Liability: Because the buyer is acquiring the entire business entity, the business entity’s liabilities and obligations will not be left behind.
- Limited Flexibility: The buyer cannot pick and choose which assets to purchase, as they are acquiring the entire business entity.
- Taxes: The buyer will not be able to amortize the purchase price of the assets and deduct it against the buyer’s taxable income.
Choosing the Right Type of Sale for Your Business
Choosing between an asset sale and a stock sale depends on a variety of factors, including your business structure, your tax situation, and your goals for the transaction. Be sure to consult with tax and legal counsel to evaluate your options and ensure that the transaction meets your needs.
