Purchase Agreement
Core contract setting the purchase price, closing conditions, representations, indemnities, and remedies; it governs what is bought and the parties’ primary obligations.
A consolidated Business Purchase Package reduces ambiguity at closing, clarifies tax and liability allocation, and documents the parties’ intent. Properly executed packages support enforceability under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state electronic transaction laws (UETA where adopted).
Typical participants include buyers, sellers, and their advisors; each has distinct responsibilities when preparing the package.
Accurate roles and signatory authority reduce closing delays and post‑closing disputes.
A corporate officer or authorized representative signs for the acquiring entity and must have documented board or member authorization; lack of authority can void the transfer or expose the buyer to liability.
The seller or an authorized signatory executes seller warranties, bills of sale, and assignment documents; proof of authority and clear chain of title are essential to effectuate a clean transfer.
Core contract setting the purchase price, closing conditions, representations, indemnities, and remedies; it governs what is bought and the parties’ primary obligations.
Transfers tangible assets and inventory; provides evidence of conveyance and often includes seller’s warranty of title for the sold items.
Breaks down purchase price among asset classes for tax reporting under IRC rules; critical for buyer and seller tax positions.
Statements about business condition, contracts, permits, and liabilities that survive closing and form the basis for indemnity claims.
Step‑by‑step list of documents, approvals, and funds required at closing to confirm all conditions precedent are satisfied.
Escrow instructions, promissory notes, or loan documents that outline payment timing, holdbacks, and release conditions for transaction funds.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel based on closing needs |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS or KBA |
| Required Attachments | Schedules, title docs, and W‑9 or tax forms |
| Reminders and Expiry | Set automatic reminders and signing deadlines |
Confirm file types, integrations, and authentication levels before sending documents for signature.
Align platform choices with compliance, audit trail needs, and any HIPAA or 21 CFR Part 11 requirements that apply to the transaction.
Buyer deadlines to complete investigations prior to closing.
Date by which earnest money or deposit must be deposited.
Cutoff for buyer to obtain acceptable financing.
Date set for execution, funding, and transfer of assets.
Timing for final allocations and escrow releases.
Buyer and seller agree principal terms and sign LOI or term sheet.
Buyer completes financial, legal, and title review per schedule.
Parties negotiate and execute purchase agreement and schedules.
Execute documents, transfer funds, and record conveyances.
| Criteria | Asset Purchase | Stock Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Transfers assets only | ||
| Liability assumption | selective | whole entity |
| Tax treatment | buyer step‑up | carryover |
| Third‑party consents | often required | often not required |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7‑day free trial, no card | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Limited trial | Limited trial |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Tim Martin used online execution for property and business transfers to avoid in‑person meetings and maintain compliance.
Optica Ventures standardized a package to speed customer transactions while keeping documents consistent across deals.