In an asset sale, the buyer selects specific assets and typically avoids inheriting liabilities. In an asset sale, the new owner purchases the business's physical assets.The seller retains all rights to the legal entity. Asset Sale: Buyer Friendly. During an asset sale, the seller retains legal ownership of the business. Unlike an asset sale, there's nothing you can write off. There's nothing you can depreciate. 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.