• Areas of expertise
  • |
  • About me
  • |
  • Principles as a lawyer
  • Tel: 03322 5078053
  • |
  • info@itmedialaw.com
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
Kurzberatung
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Ideal partner
      • About lawyer Marian Härtel
      • Video series – about me
      • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
      • Principles as a lawyer
      • Focus on start-ups
      • Nerd und Rechtsanwalt
      • Ideal partner
      • How can I help clients?
    • Über die Kanzlei
      • How clients benefit from my network of colleagues, partners and service providers
      • Quick and flexible access
      • Agile and lean law firm
      • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
      • Price overview
    • How can I help clients?
    • Sonstige Informationen
      • Einwilligungen widerrufen
      • Privatsphäre-Einstellungen ändern
      • Historie der Privatsphäre-Einstellungen
      • Privacy policy
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Leistungen
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
      • Support with the foundation
      • Games law consulting
      • Advice in e-commerce
      • Support and advice of agencies
      • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
      • Legal compliance and expert opinions
      • Streamers and influencers
      • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
      • Outsourcing – for companies or law firms
    • Arbeitsschwerpunkte
      • Games and esports law
        • Esports. What is it?
      • Corporate law
      • IT/IP Law
      • Consulting for influencers and streamers
        • Influencer & Streamer
      • Contract review and preparation
      • DLT and Blockchain consulting
        • Blockchain Overview
      • Investment advice
      • AI and SaaS
  • Artikel/News
    • Langartikel / Guides
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Law on the Internet
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Online retail
    • Data protection Law
    • Copyright
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • EU law
    • Law on the protection of minors
    • Labour law
    • Tax
    • Kanzlei News
    • Other
  • Videos/Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Podcast
      • ITMediaLaw Kurz-Podcast
  • Knowledge base
  • Contact
ITMediaLaw - Rechtsanwalt Marian Härtel
Home Data protection Law

Asset deal vs. share deal: Data protection implications of company acquisitions

10. October 2024
in Data protection Law
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0 0
A A
0
Asset deal vs. share deal: Data protection implications of company acquisitions
Key Facts
  • The company takeover takes place either through an asset deal or a share deal, with consequences under data protection law.
  • The new DSK resolution of September 11, 2024 provides guidance on the data protection-compliant implementation of asset deals.
  • The early transfer of personal data prior to the conclusion of a contract is generally not permitted, unless consent has been given.
  • Data transfer is permitted for ongoing contracts; terminated contracts require an order processing contract.
  • Express consent is required for particularly sensitive data such as health information.
  • The transferor is responsible for data transfer, the transferee for processing - clear processes are crucial.
  • Companies should proactively integrate data protection into the acquisition process in order to minimize legal risks.

There are basically two options available to buyers when acquiring companies: the asset deal and the share deal. This distinction is particularly important for the acquisition of digital companies such as Amazon stores or SaaS services. In an asset deal, individual assets and obligations of the company are acquired, whereas in a share deal, the company shares themselves change hands. This differentiation has far-reaching consequences under data protection law, which both founders and potential investors must take into account. The asset deal requires careful examination and handling of personal data, as these must be transferred individually. In a share deal, on the other hand, the legal entity remains unchanged, which simplifies the data protection situation.

Content Hide
1. New DSK resolution: Data protection guidelines for asset deals
2. Key aspects of the decision:
3. Practical innovations:
4. Legal implications for company founders and investors:
5. Conclusion:

New DSK resolution: Data protection guidelines for asset deals

On September 11, 2024, the Conference of Independent Federal and State Data Protection Supervisory Authorities (DSK) adopted a landmark resolution on the transfer of personal data in the context of asset deals. This resolution provides detailed guidance for the data protection-compliant implementation of company takeovers and replaces the previous version of May 24, 2019. The new resolution responds to the increasing importance of digital business models and the associated data protection challenges. In particular, it takes into account the special features of online services, e-commerce platforms and SaaS offerings. A thorough understanding of these regulations is essential for founders and investors in these areas in order to minimize legal risks and maintain user trust.

Key aspects of the decision:

1. due diligence phase: The transfer of personal data prior to the conclusion of a contract is generally not permitted. This regulation is intended to ensure the protection of sensitive information at an early stage of the sales process. Exceptions only exist in the case of voluntary consent or legitimate interest for data of particularly prominent persons. For digital companies, this means that they must handle customer data with particular care when screening potential buyers.

2. customer data: Data transfer is generally permitted for ongoing contracts. This is particularly relevant for SaaS providers or operators of online stores, who often maintain long-term customer relationships. An order processing contract is required for terminated contracts. Use for advertising purposes is subject to strict regulations, particularly in the case of electronic communication. These provisions are intended to ensure that customer data is not misused and that the privacy of users remains protected.

3. employee data: In the case of transfers of undertakings pursuant to Section 613a BGB, the transfer is generally permitted. This provision is particularly important for growing start-ups that may wish to transfer their entire team as part of an exit. In other cases, individual agreements or consents are required. The protection of employee rights and their personal data is paramount here.

4. special categories of data: Explicit consent is always required for sensitive data such as health information. This provision is particularly relevant for e-health start-ups or other digital companies that work with sensitive health data. The protection of this particularly sensitive information is a top priority.

5 Responsibilities: The transferor is responsible for the data transfer, the transferee for the subsequent processing. This clear assignment of responsibilities is intended to create legal certainty and avoid potential conflicts. For digital companies, this means that they must define clear processes and responsibilities for both the sale and the purchase.

Practical innovations:

The new DSK resolution brings with it some important changes compared to previous opinions. One major change is the more detailed regulation of various scenarios, which offers companies more clarity and certainty in their actions. When transferring data of former customers to fulfill legal retention periods, a strict separation from active customer data is now explicitly required, which is referred to as a “two-cabinet solution”. This regulation is particularly relevant for digital companies that often manage large volumes of historical customer data. For micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover of no more than 10 million euros, special regulations have been introduced that allow customer data to be transferred as a single asset under certain circumstances. This can be particularly important for small online stores or digital service providers. The use of transferred data for advertising purposes has been clarified, particularly with regard to electronic communication and compliance with the UWG. This is particularly important for e-commerce companies and digital marketing agencies. In addition, specific rules have been introduced for the transfer of bank data, which is now possible in certain cases without explicit consent. The resolution now also contains regulations on the transfer of data from suppliers and their employees, which was not explicitly addressed in previous versions.

Legal implications for company founders and investors:

For founders and potential buyers of digital companies such as Amazon stores or SaaS services, the DSK decision has significant legal consequences. It is imperative that data protection is integrated into the acquisition process from the outset. This means that data protection aspects must already be taken into account in the planning phase of an exit or takeover. Strict compliance with these requirements is essential, especially for digital business models whose value is often largely based on customer data and relationships. Early involvement of data protection experts and specialized lawyers is strongly recommended in order to minimize potential risks and ensure a legally compliant transition. Founders should already consider the possibility of a future exit when developing their business models and design their data protection practices accordingly. Investors must pay particular attention to the data protection practices of the target company during due diligence in order to identify potential risks and liabilities.

Conclusion:

The new DSK resolution creates more clarity for companies in asset deals, but also places higher demands on data protection. It is essential for founders and investors in the digital sector to carefully examine these new regulations and adapt their processes accordingly. This is the only way they can act compliantly and avoid potential sanctions. Implementing the new requirements may seem complex at first, but in the long term it offers more legal certainty and can strengthen the trust of customers and business partners – a competitive advantage in the digital economy that should not be underestimated. Companies should see the implementation of these regulations as an opportunity to optimize their data protection practices and position themselves as trustworthy players in the digital market. Ultimately, a proactive approach to data protection can not only minimize legal risks, but also contribute to value creation by strengthening user trust and increasing the attractiveness of the company for potential investors or buyers.

 

Tags: AmazonCompetitive advantageDevelopmentLegal certaintyPrivacySaasStartupsUwgVerträge

Beliebte Beträge

Legally compliant archiving of emails: legal requirements and practical implementation

Legally compliant archiving of emails: legal requirements and practical implementation
14. March 2025

It is impossible to imagine modern corporate communication without e-mail. It is not only used for the rapid exchange of...

Read moreDetails

Risks when hosting personal data on US cloud servers

Risks when hosting personal data on US cloud servers
18. February 2025

Hosting personal data on cloud servers from US providers poses significant risks for European companies, particularly with regard to compliance...

Read moreDetails

SaaS contract for marketing tools

da785cff1bca5b6897d0d4cacf7359ff
15. November 2024

When I helped set up CPMStar, one of the first major gaming marketing agencies in Germany, a few years ago,...

Read moreDetails

BGH ruling on damages for data protection breaches

BGH: Women also gamble on first-person shooters
8. December 2024

The ruling by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) on November 18, 2024 has put an abrupt end to...

Read moreDetails

New cookie regulation: a step towards simplifying digital consent?

Esport: Sports Committee of the BT meets Wednesday
8. December 2024

On September 4, 2024, the Federal Government adopted the Consent Management Ordinance (EinwV). This new ordinance is based on Section...

Read moreDetails

Multi-tenant architectures in the SaaS sector: data separation and compliance requirements

6e405ef66c83bf9de2066fb73a1deafc
9. November 2024

Multi-tenant architectures are the backbone of modern SaaS solutions, as they enable efficient use of resources and scalability. However, they...

Read moreDetails

Federal Court of Justice plans landmark decision on Facebook data scandal

BGH considers Uber Black to be anti-competitive
9. November 2024

The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has announced that it intends to issue a landmark ruling in the form of...

Read moreDetails

Legally compliant integration of biometric authentication systems: Data protection and security requirements for FinTech start-ups

Legally compliant integration of biometric authentication systems: Data protection and security requirements for FinTech start-ups
21. October 2024

Biometric authentication systems are revolutionizing the way FinTech start-ups ensure security and user-friendliness. However, the integration of this technology also...

Read moreDetails

Legally compliant integration of biometric authentication systems: Data protection and security requirements for FinTech start-ups

Legally compliant integration of biometric authentication systems: Data protection and security requirements for FinTech start-ups
21. October 2024

Biometric authentication systems are revolutionizing the way FinTech start-ups ensure security and user-friendliness. However, the integration of this technology also...

Read moreDetails

5.0 60 reviews

  • Avatar Lennart Korte ★★★★★ vor 2 Monaten
    Ich kann Herrn Härtel als Anwalt absolut weiterempfehlen! Sein Service ist erstklassig – schnelle Antwortzeiten, effiziente … Mehr Arbeit und dabei sehr kostengünstig, was für Startups besonders wichtig ist. Er hat für mein Startup einen Vertrag erstellt, und ich bin von seiner professionellen und zuverlässigen Arbeit überzeugt. Klare Empfehlung!
  • Avatar R.H. ★★★★★ vor 3 Monaten
    Ich kann Hr. Härtel nur empfehlen! Er hat mich bei einem Betrugsversuch einer Krypto Börse rechtlich vertreten. Ich bin sehr … Mehr zufrieden mit seiner engagierten Arbeit gewesen. Ich wurde von Anfang an kompetent, fair und absolut transparent beraten. Trotz eines zähen Verfahrens und einer großen Börse als Gegner, habe ich mich immer sicher und zuversichtlich gefühlt. Auch die Schnelligkeit und die sehr gute Erreichbarkeit möchte ich an der Stelle hoch loben und nochmal meinen herzlichsten Dank aussprechen! Daumen hoch mit 10 Sternen!
  • Avatar P! Galerie ★★★★★ vor 4 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns äusserst kompetent in einen lästigen Fall mit META betreut. Er war effizient, beharrlich, aber auch mit … Mehr uns geduldig. Menschlich top, bis wir am Ende Dank ihm erfolgreich zum Ziel gekommen sind. Können wir wärmstens empfehlen. Und nochmals danke. P.H.
  • Avatar Philip Lucas ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Wir haben Herrn Härtel für unser Unternehmen konsultiert und sind äußerst zufrieden mit seiner Arbeit. Von Anfang an hat … Mehr er einen überaus kompetenten Eindruck gemacht und sich als ein sehr angenehmer Gesprächspartner erwiesen. Seine fachliche Expertise und seine verständliche und zugängliche Art im Umgang mit komplexen Themen haben uns überzeugt. Wir freuen uns auf eine langfristige und erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit!
  • Avatar Mosaic Mask Studio ★★★★★ vor 5 Monaten
    Die Kanzlei ist immer ein verlässlicher Partner bei der Sichtung und Bearbeitung von Verträgen in der IT Branche. Es ist … Mehr stets ein professioneller Austausch auf Augenhöhe.
    Die Ergebnisse sind auf hohem Niveau und haben die interessen unsers Unternehmens immer bestmöglich wiedergespiegelt.
    Vielen Dank für die sehr gute Zusammenarbeit.
  • Avatar Mikael Hällgren ★★★★★ vor einem Monat
    I got fantastic support from Marian Härtel. He managed to get my wrongfully suspended Instagram account restored. He was … Mehr incredibly helpful the whole way until the positive outcome. Highly recommended!
  • Avatar Doris H. ★★★★★ vor 10 Monaten
    Herr Härtel hat uns bezüglich eines Telefonvertrags beraten und vertreten. Wir waren mit seinem Service sehr zufrieden. Er … Mehr hat stets schnell auf unsere E-mails und Anrufe reagiert und den Sachverhalt einfach und verständlich erklärt. Wir würden Herrn Härtel jederzeit wieder beauftragen.Vielen Dank für die hervorragende Unterstützung
  • Avatar Philipp Skaar ★★★★★ vor 8 Monaten
    Als kleines inhabergeführtes Hotel sehen wir uns ab und dann (bei sonst weit über dem Durchschnitt liegenden Bewertungen) … Mehr der Herausforderung von aus der Anonymität heraus agierenden "Netz-Querulanten" gegenüber gestellt. Herr Härtel versteht es außerordentlich spür- und feinsinnig, derartige - oftmals auf Rufschädigung ausgerichtete - Bewertungen bereits im Keim, also außergerichtlich, zu ersticken und somit unseren Betrieb vor weiteren Folgeschäden zu bewahren. Seine Umsetzungsgeschwindigkeit ist beeindruckend, seine bisherige Erfolgsquote = 100%.Ergo: Unsere erste Adresse zur Abwehr von geschäftsschädigenden Angriffen aus dem Web.
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●
  • ●

Video-Galerie

Contract for work and services vs. service contract: key differences for IT, software and esports
Contract for work and services vs. service contract: key differences for IT, software and esports
Modern law firm for agile start-ups and companies
Modern law firm for agile start-ups and companies
Blockchain start-ups: key aspects for success
Blockchain start-ups: key aspects for success
abmahnung

Warning

24. June 2023

Introduction In Germany, the term "warning" is commonly used in various areas of law and can have different meanings. In...

Read moreDetails
Withholding tax

Withholding tax

16. October 2024
Trade Regulation Act (GewO)

Trade Regulation Act (GewO)

1. July 2023
lawyer is providing information about the client s 2022 10 06 05 57 37 utc

Requirements specification / specifications

26. June 2023
23600238 fc76 4626 bd40 a2606a0d02d0 202615361

SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company)

29. March 2025

Podcast Folgen

Innovative Geschäftsmodelle – Risiko und Chance zugleich

Innovative Geschäftsmodelle – Risiko und Chance zugleich

10. September 2024

In dieser spannenden Folge unseres Podcasts tauchen wir tief in die Welt der innovativen Geschäftsmodelle ein. Unser Host Marian Härtel,...

7c0b449a651fe0b81e5eec2e23515012 2

Urheberrecht im Digitalen Zeitalter

22. December 2024

In dieser aufschlussreichen knapp 20-minütigen Podcast-Episode von und mit mir wird das komplexe Thema des Urheberrechts im digitalen Zeitalter beleuchtet....

Globale Herausforderungen für Startups – Ein rechtlicher Leitfaden

Globale Herausforderungen für Startups – Ein rechtlicher Leitfaden

2. October 2024

Dieser informative Podcast bietet einen umfassenden Einblick in die rechtlichen Herausforderungen, denen sich Startups bei ihrer internationalen Expansion gegenübersehen. Der...

KI im Recht: Chancen, Risiken und Regulierung – der IT Media Law Podcast Episode 3

KI im Recht: Chancen, Risiken und Regulierung – der IT Media Law Podcast Episode 3

28. August 2024

Willkommen zur dritten Episode unseres Podcasts "IT Media Law"! In dieser Folge tauchen wir ein in die faszinierende Welt der...

  • Home
  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Agile and lean law firm
  • Ideal partner
  • Contact
  • Videos
Marian Härtel, Rathenaustr. 58a, 14612 Falkensee, info@itmedialaw.com

Marian Härtel - Rechtsanwalt für IT-Recht, Medienrecht und Startups, mit einem Fokus auf innovative Geschäftsmodelle, Games, KI und Finanzierungsberatung.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
  • Contact
  • Leistungen
    • Support with the foundation
    • Focus areas of attorney Marian Härtel
    • Consulting for influencers and streamers
    • Advice in e-commerce
    • DLT and Blockchain consulting
    • Games law consulting
    • Support and advice of agencies
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain and Games
    • Investment advice
    • Booking as speaker
    • Legal compliance and expert opinions
    • Legal advice in corporate law: from incorporation to structuring
    • Contract review and preparation
  • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • About lawyer Marian Härtel
    • Agile and lean law firm
    • Focus on start-ups
    • Principles as a lawyer
    • The everyday life of an IT lawyer
    • How can I help clients?
    • Why a lawyer and business consultant?
    • Focus on start-ups
    • How can I help clients?
    • Team: Saskia Härtel – WHO AM I?
    • Testimonials
    • Imprint
  • Videos
    • Video series – about me
    • Information videos – about Marian Härtel
    • Videos on services
    • Blogpost – individual videos
    • Shorts
    • Third-party videos
    • Podcast format
    • Other videos
  • Knowledge base
  • Podcast
  • Blogposts
    • Lange Artikel / Ausführungen
    • Law on the Internet
    • Online retail
    • Law and computer games
    • Law and Esport
    • Blockchain and web law
    • Data protection Law
    • Labour law
    • EU law
    • Corporate
    • Competition law
    • Copyright
    • Tax
    • Internally
    • Other
  • en English
  • de Deutsch
Kostenlose Kurzberatung