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The Business Acquisition Agreement is a fundamental transaction document used in New Zealand for the purchase and sale of business enterprises. This agreement is essential when one entity wishes to acquire another's business operations, whether through an asset purchase or share transfer. It requires careful consideration of New Zealand's legal framework, including the Commerce Act 1986 for competition matters, Employment Relations Act 2000 for staff transfers, and various tax implications under New Zealand law. The document typically becomes relevant during significant corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, or business succession planning. It must address specific New Zealand regulatory requirements, market practices, and commercial considerations while providing clear mechanisms for business transfer, risk allocation, and post-completion obligations.

1. Parties: Identifies and defines the Vendor(s) and Purchaser(s) with full legal names and details

2. Background: Sets out the context of the transaction, including brief description of the business and parties' intention to sell/purchase

3. Definitions and Interpretation: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement and establishes rules of interpretation

4. Sale and Purchase: Core agreement to sell and purchase the business, including clear description of what is included/excluded

5. Purchase Price: Specifies the total consideration and how it was calculated

6. Payment Terms: Details of how and when the purchase price will be paid, including any deposits or installments

7. Conditions Precedent: Conditions that must be satisfied before completion can occur

8. Pre-Completion Obligations: Obligations of both parties between signing and completion, including business conduct requirements

9. Completion: Details of the completion process, timing, and requirements

10. Vendor Warranties: Warranties given by the vendor about the business, assets, and liabilities

11. Purchaser Warranties: Basic warranties from the purchaser, including capacity to complete the purchase

12. Employee Matters: Treatment of employees, including transfer arrangements and related obligations

13. Restraint of Trade: Restrictions on vendor's future business activities to protect goodwill

14. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding confidential information and announcements

15. GST: GST treatment of the transaction and related obligations

16. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including notices, amendments, governing law