Introduction
Warranties are a key feature of any share purchase agreement (SPA). They are statements of fact made by the seller about various aspects of the company being sold. These warranties provide the buyer with protection, ensuring that the company they are acquiring is in the state represented by the seller. If any warranty is later found to be untrue, the buyer may have the right to claim damages.This guide outlines the main types of warranties typically included in an SPA and explains their significance.
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1. Title Warranties
These warranties ensure that the seller has full ownership of the shares being sold and that the shares are free from any encumbrances or third-party claims. They are crucial as they confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the shares, and the buyer will acquire full ownership of the company.Typical clauses include:
• The seller is the legal owner of the shares.
• The shares are free from any liens, charges, or other third-party interests.
• The seller has the power and authority to sell the shares.
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2. Accounts Warranties
Accounts warranties provide assurances regarding the financial position of the company as represented in its financial statements. These warranties typically cover the accuracy of the company’s balance sheet, profit and loss account, and cash flow statement. The warranties ensure that the accounts present a true and fair view of the company's financial position.Key examples include:
• The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• The accounts give a true and fair view of the company’s financial affairs.
• There are no undisclosed liabilities.
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3. Tax Warranties
Tax warranties cover the company’s tax affairs, ensuring that the company has paid all taxes due and has complied with relevant tax laws. They protect the buyer from hidden tax liabilities that could emerge after the purchase.Examples of common tax warranties:
• All taxes due have been paid, and there are no outstanding tax liabilities.
• The company has made all necessary tax filings and returns.
• There are no ongoing tax disputes or investigations by tax authorities.
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4. Litigation and Dispute Warranties
Litigation warranties protect the buyer by confirming that there are no current or pending legal disputes involving the company. These warranties ensure that the buyer is not unknowingly acquiring a company facing costly or reputationally damaging litigation.Key clauses include:
• The company is not involved in any ongoing legal disputes.
• There are no claims or proceedings threatened or pending against the company.
• The company is not in breach of any laws or regulations.
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5. Commercial Contracts Warranties
These warranties provide assurances that the company's commercial contracts with customers, suppliers, and other third parties are valid and enforceable. They also confirm that no material contracts are at risk of being terminated due to the share sale.Typical warranties in this area might include:
• All material contracts are in full force and effect.
• The company is not in breach of any major contracts.
• No customer or supplier has indicated an intention to terminate or materially alter their contract with the company.
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6. Employment Warranties
Employment warranties provide assurance regarding the company’s workforce, confirming that the company complies with employment laws and has no disputes with its employees. This is especially important if the business has a large workforce or key employees critical to the company’s success.Key employment warranties may include:
• All employees are employed on legally compliant terms.
• There are no ongoing or pending employment disputes.
• The company has met all obligations concerning pensions, redundancy payments, and other employee benefits.
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7. Intellectual Property (IP) Warranties
These warranties address the ownership and protection of the company’s intellectual property, which may be vital for companies reliant on trademarks, patents, software, or other proprietary rights. IP warranties are designed to ensure the buyer will continue to benefit from the company's IP assets after the purchase.Examples of IP warranties include:
• The company owns or has valid licences for all necessary intellectual property.
• No IP rights of the company are being infringed, and no third parties are infringing the company’s IP rights.
• The company is not involved in any IP disputes or claims.
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8. Property Warranties
If the company owns or leases real property, property warranties ensure that the company has valid title or leasehold rights over its properties. These warranties also confirm that the properties comply with planning regulations, building codes, and other legal requirements.Examples of property warranties include:
• The company owns or leases the properties identified in the agreement.
• There are no disputes regarding the company’s ownership or occupation of the properties.
• All properties comply with applicable building regulations and have the necessary planning permissions.
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9. Environmental Warranties
These warranties provide protection against environmental liabilities, such as pollution or non-compliance with environmental laws. Environmental risks can be particularly significant in industries like manufacturing or real estate, and the buyer will want to ensure there are no hidden risks that could lead to fines or remediation costs.Typical environmental warranties include:
• The company complies with all relevant environmental laws and regulations.
• The company holds all necessary environmental permits.
• There are no known environmental issues, such as contamination, that could give rise to liability.
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10. Compliance Warranties
Compliance warranties confirm that the company has adhered to all applicable laws and regulations, including data protection laws, anti-corruption laws, and competition laws. These warranties protect the buyer from acquiring a company that is in breach of critical legal obligations.Examples include:
• The company has complied with all applicable laws and regulations.
• The company has not engaged in any unlawful or unethical practices.
• The company holds all necessary licences and permits for its operations.
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