In the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) process, one of the first questions that comes up is how the deal will be structured, because the nature of the transaction will impact every aspect of the deal, as well as being the foundation on which the new organization will operate going forward.

Arriving at an agreement can be easy or difficult, depending on the parties and their motivation; but, regardless of the relationship of the parties, the structure of the agreement is markedly different for asset purchases versus stock purchases.

This course examines the various factors that should be considered before a transaction agreement is drafted and consummated. 

Upon completion of this course, in the context of mergers and acquisitions, you should be able to:

• Differentiate between an asset purchase and stock purchase;
• Describe the benefits and limitations of asset purchase and stock purchase;
• Compare asset purchase and stock purchase; and,
• Describe the differences and similarities between asset purchase and stock purchase negotiations and agreements.