Specialty Insurance for the Sophisticated Searcher

February 05, 2025
by a professional from University of Central Florida in Ormond Beach, FL, USA
These two specialty policies work together to provide peace of mind for searchers.
For Buyers
This coverage protects you if the seller knowingly misrepresents or withholds important information that impacts the value of the business.
• What It Covers: Breaches of representations or warranties where the seller knew about the issue.
• Quick Setup: Coverage can be arranged within 24 hours and even after the deal closes.
• What It Doesn’t Cover: Doesn’t cover innocent mistakes by the seller—this is where the seller’s protection comes in.
For Sellers This coverage protects you if a buyer brings a claim for an innocent (unintentional) breach of the sale agreement. • What It Covers: Protects you from claims for honest mistakes or breaches. • Duty to Defend: The insurer will defend you with legal counsel if a claim is made. • Quick Setup: Coverage can be arranged within 24 hours and even after closing. • Buyer Benefits: Buyers can also benefit as a loss payee, allowing sellers to potentially reduce or eliminate escrow or holdbacks.
How They Work Together: • Buyer Protection ensures the buyer is covered for intentional breaches by the seller. • Seller Protection covers the seller for innocent breaches, providing legal defense and potentially reducing holdbacks or escrow for the seller. As noted above the buyer can be added as the loss payee.
Tailored for Smaller M&A Deals These policies are specifically designed for deals ranging from $250K to $10 million - unlike standard reps & warranties (20-50mil). This makes them a perfect fit for searchers and smaller businesses, providing the same level of protection as larger deals without the complexity or cost.
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Portland, OR, USA