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Business Purchase Agreement
I need a business purchase agreement for acquiring a small retail business, including terms for asset transfer, employee retention, and a payment plan with an initial deposit and subsequent installments. The agreement should also cover warranties, indemnities, and a non-compete clause for the seller.
What is a Business Purchase Agreement?
A Business Purchase Agreement sets out the terms and conditions when you're buying or selling a business in Australia. It's the key legal document that covers everything from the sale price and payment terms to what's included in the sale - like equipment, stock, intellectual property, and customer lists.
The agreement protects both buyers and sellers under Australian commercial law by clearly spelling out each party's rights and obligations. It addresses crucial details like staff arrangements, restraint of trade conditions, and how to handle existing contracts. Most Australian business brokers and lawyers consider it essential to have this agreement properly drafted and reviewed before finalizing any business sale.
When should you use a Business Purchase Agreement?
Use a Business Purchase Agreement any time you're buying or selling a business in Australia - even if it's a small transaction between friends. This document becomes essential as soon as you start discussing serious terms, ideally before any money changes hands or detailed negotiations begin.
It's particularly important when dealing with complex businesses involving intellectual property, multiple employees, or valuable customer relationships. Many Australian lenders also require a signed Business Purchase Agreement before approving finance for the purchase. Getting it in place early helps prevent disputes, protects both parties' interests, and creates a clear roadmap for the sale process.
What are the different types of Business Purchase Agreement?
- Asset Purchase Contract: Focuses specifically on buying selected business assets rather than the entire company, perfect for partial acquisitions
- Business Stock Purchase Agreement: Used when purchasing company shares instead of assets, transferring ownership while maintaining business structure
- Commercial Lease With Option To Purchase: Combines a lease arrangement with future purchase rights, offering flexibility for staged business acquisitions
Who should typically use a Business Purchase Agreement?
- Business Owners (Sellers): Draft and negotiate the Business Purchase Agreement terms, disclose business information, and ensure smooth handover of assets and operations
- Buyers: Review terms, conduct due diligence, secure financing, and negotiate key provisions to protect their investment
- Business Brokers: Facilitate negotiations, help structure deals, and ensure documentation meets market standards
- Lawyers: Draft and review agreements, advise on legal implications, and ensure compliance with Australian commercial law
- Accountants: Verify financial statements, advise on tax implications, and assist with asset valuation
How do you write a Business Purchase Agreement?
- Business Details: Gather complete information about assets, equipment, intellectual property, and existing contracts included in the sale
- Financial Records: Collect past three years of financial statements, tax returns, and current inventory lists
- Employee Information: Document current staff arrangements, employment contracts, and any transfer agreements
- Legal Requirements: Check local business transfer regulations and licensing needs specific to your industry
- Purchase Terms: Outline price, payment structure, handover timeline, and any conditions precedent
- Draft Agreement: Use our platform to generate a legally-sound Business Purchase Agreement that includes all mandatory elements
What should be included in a Business Purchase Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, ABNs, and registered addresses of buyer and seller
- Asset Description: Detailed list of all business assets, intellectual property, and liabilities being transferred
- Purchase Price: Clear payment terms, deposit requirements, and settlement arrangements
- Due Diligence: Rights and timeframes for business inspection and verification
- Warranties: Seller's guarantees about business condition, debts, and legal compliance
- Restraint Clauses: Terms preventing seller from competing or soliciting customers
- Employee Provisions: Treatment of existing staff and their entitlements
- Completion Terms: Specific handover procedures and timing requirements
What's the difference between a Business Purchase Agreement and a Business Acquisition Agreement?
A Business Purchase Agreement differs significantly from a Business Acquisition Agreement in several key aspects, though they're often confused. While both deal with business transfers, their scope and application vary considerably under Australian law.
- Scope of Transfer: Business Purchase Agreements typically cover specific assets, inventory, and operational elements, while Business Acquisition Agreements often encompass broader corporate restructuring and ownership changes
- Legal Structure: Purchase agreements focus on direct asset transfers and operational handover, whereas acquisition agreements deal with company shares and corporate control
- Due Diligence Requirements: Acquisition agreements usually involve more extensive corporate due diligence and regulatory compliance checks, particularly for larger enterprises
- Post-Sale Obligations: Business Purchase Agreements commonly include specific handover procedures and training periods, while acquisition agreements focus more on corporate governance transitions
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