An asset sale is a common method for transferring business ownership. Free Consultation - Call (408) 436-0789 - SAC Attorneys LLP helps companies with business matters in Corporate and Business law.The cost of an asset acquisition may exceed or be less than the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The answer is pretty simple. Figure PPE 21 compares asset acquisitions and business combinations. This figure is not intended to address all accounting similarities or differences.