Limitations on liability
Jump to
Limitations on liability Start Comparison
What is the common cap amount (as a percentage of purchase price)?

Frequency/market practice: The cap is often split between title, tax and other material warranties (which almost always have a 100% cap) and other more general warranties (which typically have a lower percentage cap, usually between 10% for an auction deal and 50%). Larger deals will tend to have a lower aggregate cap.

Does the cap (and other liability limitations) apply to the whole agreement or just warranties (or particular terms)?

Frequency/market practice: Both are seen regularly; will be subject to deal negotiation (seller will seek to expand the scope of the cap to all claims under the agreement, whereas buyer will seek to limit it to warranty claims only).

What are the common exceptions to the cap?

Frequency/market practice: Key warranties are often exempted from the lower cap, but still subject to a 100% cap (e.g., title, capitalization, authority, tax and sometimes some specific areas of concern).

There is usually a carve-out from all limitations (including cap) for fraud, tax evasion and deliberate nondisclosure.

Is a deductible or basket common?

Frequency/market practice: Basket is very common, but both are seen.

Is a de minimis common?

Frequency/market practice: Very common.

How long does seller liability survive?

Frequency/market practice: It is common to have:

  • 18-24 months for general warranties;
  • Anywhere from 18-24 months to 6-12 years for title, capitalization and authority warranties (the seller will typically start with the same time period as general warranties but buyer will often seek the relevant statutory limitation period (i.e. 6-12 years)
  • Five years (or seven years, where there is good justification for doing so) for tax warranties and tax indemnities.
Are there any common carve-outs from limitation on seller liability (e.g., fraud, tax, key warranties)?

Frequency/market practice: Key warranties are often exempted from the lower cap, but still subject to a 100% cap (e.g., title, capitalization, authority, tax and sometimes some specific areas of concern).

There is usually a carve-out from all limitations (including cap) for fraud, tax evasion and deliberate nondisclosure.

Is warranty insurance common?

Frequency/market practice: Fairly common; W&I insurance is becomingly increasingly common, particularly in private equity deals.