An earnout is a useful means of bridging a valuation gap and getting a deal done. An earnout provision makes the purchase price (typically, some part of it) payable in the future dependent on the buyer's financial performance.What is an Earnout Agreement? ​​An earnout agreement, also referred to as an earn-in or earn-out, is a type of acquisition payment structure. , Nicholas Baum, and City Juice Systems KS, LLC. An asset purchase contract is a contract used to purchase assets from another party that establishes terms for the transaction. Shop clause in the asset purchase agreement effectively precluded it from seeking other purchasers, seller sued buyer to compel it to close. Like deals in general, earnouts can range from win-win to disastrous for both sides.