What is the difference between a share sale and an asset sale?
Short answer
In a share sale the buyer buys your shares and the whole company. In an asset sale they buy chosen assets and leave the company with you. The tax result for you can be very different.
What to know
- Owners often prefer share sales for tax reasons.
- Buyers often prefer asset sales to avoid past liabilities.
- Structure should be decided with your tax advisor early.
What to do next
- 1Ask your accountant to model both.
- 2Check eligibility for the capital gains exemption.
- 3Plan structure before you get an offer.
Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.