Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Acquisition Agreement
I need an acquisition agreement for the purchase of a small technology company, including terms for the transfer of intellectual property, employee retention agreements, and a payment structure with an initial deposit and subsequent installments based on performance milestones. The agreement should also include a non-compete clause for the sellers and a dispute resolution mechanism.
What is an Acquisition Agreement?
An Acquisition Agreement outlines the terms and conditions when one company buys another company or its assets in Canada. This legal contract spells out the purchase price, payment structure, and what's being bought - from physical assets to intellectual property rights, customer lists, and ongoing contracts.
Beyond just stating the price, these agreements protect both parties by addressing key issues like employee transitions, regulatory approvals, and potential liabilities. They typically include conditions that must be met before closing, representations and warranties from both sides, and specific provisions that align with Canadian competition laws and securities regulations.
When should you use an Acquisition Agreement?
Use an Acquisition Agreement when purchasing another business, its assets, or shares in Canada. This critical document becomes necessary as soon as both parties agree on the basic terms of the deal and need to move forward with the transaction details.
The agreement proves essential during complex negotiations, especially when dealing with multiple stakeholders, significant assets, or regulated industries. It safeguards the interests of both buyer and seller through clear terms about what's being transferred, payment structures, and closing conditions. Canadian businesses particularly need this document to comply with federal and provincial securities laws, tax requirements, and competition regulations.
What are the different types of Acquisition Agreement?
- Business Acquisition Agreement: Comprehensive agreement for purchasing an entire business, covering assets, operations, and liabilities
- Letter Of Intent To Purchase Business: Initial document outlining key terms before the formal acquisition agreement
- Asset Purchase Term Sheet: Simplified agreement focusing on specific asset purchases rather than entire business operations
- Acquisition Non Compete Agreement: Supplementary agreement restricting seller competition after the acquisition
- Real Estate Purchase Letter Of Intent: Specialized agreement for acquiring business property assets
Who should typically use an Acquisition Agreement?
- Corporate Buyers: Companies or investors acquiring businesses, assets, or shares who initiate the Acquisition Agreement process
- Business Sellers: Current owners or shareholders who negotiate terms and provide representations about the business
- Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review agreements, ensure compliance with Canadian securities laws, and protect client interests
- Investment Bankers: Facilitate deals, structure financial terms, and advise on valuation
- Accountants: Review financial statements, assist with due diligence, and advise on tax implications
- Regulatory Bodies: Review and approve transactions under competition laws and industry-specific regulations
How do you write an Acquisition Agreement?
- Business Details: Gather complete legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of all parties involved
- Asset Information: List all assets, properties, contracts, and intellectual property being transferred
- Financial Terms: Document purchase price, payment structure, and any earn-out provisions
- Due Diligence: Review financial statements, contracts, and legal obligations of the target business
- Regulatory Requirements: Check Competition Act thresholds and industry-specific regulations
- Employment Matters: Detail employee transitions, benefits, and pension obligations
- Closing Conditions: Outline required approvals, consents, and timing for deal completion
What should be included in an Acquisition Agreement?
- Party Identification: Full legal names, addresses, and registration details of buyer and seller
- Purchase Details: Clear description of assets, shares, or business being acquired
- Consideration: Purchase price, payment terms, and any adjustments or earn-out provisions
- Representations & Warranties: Statements about business condition, ownership, and legal compliance
- Closing Conditions: Required approvals, consents, and timing requirements
- Indemnification: Protection against future claims and liabilities
- Governing Law: Specify applicable Canadian jurisdiction and dispute resolution process
- Signatures: Authorized signatory details and execution requirements
What's the difference between an Acquisition Agreement and a Business Purchase Agreement?
While both documents deal with business purchases, an Acquisition Agreement differs significantly from a Business Purchase Agreement in several key aspects. The main distinction lies in their scope and complexity.
- Transaction Scope: Acquisition Agreements typically cover complex corporate transactions involving shares, multiple assets, and entire business operations, while Business Purchase Agreements focus on simpler transfers of specific business assets or smaller enterprises
- Regulatory Requirements: Acquisition Agreements must address Canadian competition laws, securities regulations, and industry-specific compliance, whereas Business Purchase Agreements generally involve fewer regulatory obligations
- Due Diligence Provisions: Acquisition Agreements include extensive representations and warranties covering corporate structure, financial statements, and material contracts; Business Purchase Agreements feature simpler verification requirements
- Post-Closing Obligations: Acquisition Agreements typically contain detailed transition services, employee matters, and integration planning that aren't usually needed in basic business purchases
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.