Ep 20: Special Guest - Mastering Indemnities: How to Protect Yourself in a Business Acquisition
Description
In this episode of 7 Minute Takeover, Eamonn Gamble is joined by M&A lawyer Brad Schneider (Partner at Fasken) to demystify indemnities—one of the most critical protections in any business acquisition.
Brad explains what indemnities are, why they’re included in almost every purchase agreement, and how buyers can use them to guard against post-closing risks like lawsuits, environmental fines, or unpaid taxes. He breaks down four essential deal terms every buyer should understand:
The scope of indemnification
Survival periods and how long protections last
The use of escrow/holdbacks
Caps and baskets to limit and qualify claims
Brad also shares a real-world example where indemnities saved a buyer from costly environmental fines—and gives final advice on what to look for (and negotiate) when reviewing your next definitive agreement.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or knee-deep in due diligence, this episode will help you close smarter, safer deals.






