An asset sale is the purchase of individual assets and liabilities, whereas a stock sale is the purchase of the owner's shares of a corporation. An asset sale otherwise known as an asset deal or asset purchase is a special type of business sale that only deals with assets and liabilities.​​ The main difference between asset sales vs. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. Buyers typically prefer structuring acquisitions as asset deals because they receive a stepup in the basis of the acquired assets. Generally, a stock sale is better for the seller and an asset sale is better for the buyer. An asset is ideal if you want more demand and a higher sale price, while a stock sale is ideal if you want to sell sooner and at favorable tax terms.