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. In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires specific assets.An asset sale allows the transfer of specific assets and liabilities while the seller remains being owner of the legal entity. In a stock sale, the buyer acquires equity from the target company's shareholders. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. ​​ The main difference between asset sales vs. While an asset sale outshines a stock sale in company structure support, it loses a fair amount of points when it comes to tax implications. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't.