Free Business Purchase Agreement Template

A Business Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a business sale, detailing the transaction from start to finish. 

The primary purpose of a BPA is to provide a clear and mutual understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of both parties involved in the transaction. 

It serves as a roadmap that guides the buyer and seller through the process, ensuring that all agreed-upon terms are met and that the transaction proceeds smoothly. This agreement also acts as a safeguard for both parties, protecting their interests and providing a reference point in case any disputes arise.

When to use a Business Purchase Agreement

A BPA becomes essential when one party intends to purchase a business from another. This pivotal document is employed during the acquisition or sale of a business, ensuring that the terms, conditions, and specifics of the transaction are clearly laid out and legally binding. 

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to acquire a new venture or a business owner aiming to sell your established enterprise, a BPA provides the necessary framework to detail the sale's intricacies, from assets and liabilities to intellectual property and staff contracts.

Furthermore, a Purchase Agreement for Business is not limited to just large corporations or established businesses. Even if you're considering purchasing a small local store, a startup, or a franchise, having a BPA in place is crucial. 

If you're asking yourself what does a Business Purchase Agreement look like, we've included a sample for your review. 

Use the following sample agreement to purchase a business alongside our template to draft your unique document:

BPAs can be categorized based on the nature of the transaction and the specific assets involved. Understanding the different types is crucial for both buyers and sellers to ensure the right agreement is used for their unique transaction. 

Look at the list below to find out more about the primary types:

• Asset Purchase Agreement: This type focuses on the sale of specific assets of a business, such as equipment, inventory, and intellectual property, without transferring the business entity itself. Liabilities can also be selected and transferred under this agreement.
• Stock or Share Purchase Agreement: Under this agreement, the buyer acquires shares or stock of a company, effectively taking over the entire business entity, including its assets and liabilities.
• Unit Purchase Agreement: Common in limited liability companies (LLCs), this agreement pertains to the sale of membership units, which represent ownership in the LLC.

Each type serves a distinct purpose and is tailored to different business structures and transaction needs. It's essential to choose the right agreement to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transfer.

To ensure clarity and prevent potential disputes, you’ll need to cover the following elements in a BPA:

• Parties involved: Clearly identify the buyer and seller with their legal names and contact details.
• Business description: Provide a comprehensive overview of the business and its operations, and confirm the seller's authority to sell.
• Financial terms: Outline the purchase price, any deposits required, and the timeline for the transfer.
• Type of sale: Specify if it's an asset sale or a stock sale, and list the assets included and excluded.
• Seller's obligations: Detail responsibilities like taxes, loans, fees, benefit transfers, and salaries due at closing.
• Restrictive clauses: Include any non-competition agreements or other restrictive covenants.
• Responsibilities: Define the duties of both the buyer and seller, such as training new employees, fulfilling customer obligations, and finalizing the bill of sale.
• Additional provisions: Incorporate details about third-party brokers, closing logistics, representations and warranties, indemnities, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

By ensuring these elements are present, both parties can be confident in the agreement's comprehensiveness and clarity.

Crafting a Business Purchase Agreement requires a systematic approach to ensure all essential elements are captured and the document is legally sound. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Start with the Basics: Identify the parties involved, typically referred to as the "buyer" and the "seller."
2. Provide a brief overview: Offer a concise description of the business being sold, including its nature, location, and any relevant background information.
3. State the purchase price: Clearly mention the agreed-upon amount, the payment structure (lump sum, installments), and any contingencies that might affect the final price.
4. Outline the assets and liabilities: Give a general overview of what's included in the sale, such as equipment, inventory, or intellectual property. If certain liabilities are being assumed by the buyer, mention them briefly.
5. Include key terms and conditions: Highlight any significant terms of the sale, such as warranties, representations, and any restrictive clauses like non-compete agreements.
6. Specify closing details: Mention the expected closing date, the location where the transaction will be finalized, and any actions required by either party before this date.
7. Address potential disputes: Briefly touch upon how disputes, if they arise, will be resolved. This could be through mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings.
8. Signatures: Conclude the agreement with spaces for both the buyer and seller to sign, indicating their acceptance of the terms.

Create your document using our free online customizable Business Purchase Agreement template to ensure the form’s legal validity.

Beyond the Business Purchase Agreement, there are numerous other documents that can offer legal safeguards for both buyers and sellers:

• Letter of Intent (LOI)
• Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• Bill of Sale
• Asset Purchase Agreement
• Non-Compete Agreement