Avoiding Corporate Successor Liability in Asset Purchases

This CLE course will guide M&A and other counsel in mitigating the risk of successor liability with asset purchases. The panel will discuss the circumstances in which successor liability claims may arise and describe how due diligence, contractual provisions in the asset purchase agreements, and reps and warranties insurance can be effective techniques to mitigate risk exposure.

Asset purchases are often the preferred acquisition structure for deal attorneys. Unlike stock acquisitions or merger transactions, they generally allow the potential for a clear separation of liability between buyer and seller. In asset purchases, the buyer usually only assumes the seller's liabilities that the parties expressly agree upon in the asset purchase agreement.

Buyers' counsel can take several measures to mitigate the risk of successor liability with asset purchases, including conducting thorough due diligence, negotiating strong contract provisions, obtaining reps and warranties insurance, and using purchase price adjustments/holdbacks. In the bankruptcy context, assets can be purchased "free and clear" of competing claims and liability under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Listen as our authoritative panel reviews the alternatives and solutions available to deal counsel to help buyers avoid or mitigate successor liability with asset purchases. The panel will also discuss recent case law regarding successor liability and differing approaches state and federal courts have taken in determining liability.