In an asset sale, a firm sells some or all of its actual assets, either tangible or intangible. When companies let go of some assets in exchange for needed cash or other forms of compensation, that is the sale of assets.An asset sale occurs when the assets of your business are sold to a buyer. An asset sale means that you are planning to sell all of your business's assets. Asset sales can involve both tangible and intangible assets. In an asset sale, the new owner purchases the business's physical assets. The seller retains all rights to the legal entity.