An asset sale is when only the individual assets are purchased. 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 a stock sale, the buyer acquires equity from the target company's shareholders. 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. With an asset sale, the buyer is buying the assets of the business. These assets will be identified in the purchase and sale agreement. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't.