Top 10 tips for acquiring a business and its assets

You want to buy a business, but do you want to buy the business and assets or do you want to buy the shares of the company which owns the business assets? It is an important distinction. Going down the asset purchase route means you can, to an extent, pick and choose the assets and liabilities you take on. A share purchase involves purchasing the company in its entirety, both assets and liabilities - “warts and all”.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both, particularly in relation to tax, so take advice before coming to a

decision. If you decide to proceed with an asset purchase, then read on for our top ten tips to make the process run smoothly.