M&A Foundations · glossary

Tax covenant

The seller's promise to pay the buyer, pound for pound, for the target's pre-completion tax liabilities — in substance a standing indemnity for old tax, working alongside (and more powerfully than) the tax warranties. Clause 10.1 · Chapter 12

Explained in Chapter 12, Indemnities and the Tax Covenant, of M&A Foundations.

How it comes up, in Chapter 12
If indemnities are targeted strikes, the tax covenant is a standing army. It is an indemnity-style promise under which the seller covenants to pay the buyer an amount equal to the target's tax liabilities for the seller's period of ownership. Historically the covenant was a separate “tax deed”; now it is usually a clause or schedule. Practically every private share deal has one.
Read Chapter 12, Indemnities and the Tax Covenant →

Related terms

Where this term lives

Every chapter of M&A Foundations is free to read, including the full training share purchase agreement. It is part of one complete fictional deal, with every document attached and a test after every chapter. Open M&A Foundations → · All terms A–Z →