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.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. An asset sale is when the assets of the business are sold and the owner retains the liabilities and those liabilities are always satisfied at closing. In an asset sale, the buyer selects specific assets and typically avoids inheriting liabilities. Asset Sale lets buyers choose specific assets and liabilities; Stock Sale doesn't. Learn the tax implications for each type of sale. With an asset sale, the buyer is buying the assets of the business. These assets will be identified in the purchase and sale agreement.