1Initial Structure50%50%90%10%Indiv.AIndiv.BIndiv.CCorp T(Target)Corp S(Acquiror)FMV 100Cash2Asset Sale & Target LiquidationbCash of50 eachSurrenderT StockaCash of 100Operating Assets Worth 100Indiv.AIndiv.BIndiv.CCorp T(Target)Corp S(Acquiror)3Ending Point90%10%Cash of 50Cash of 50Indiv.AIndiv.BIndiv.CCorp S(Acquiror)T Operating AssetsLegendOwnership / structural holdingTransfer of stock / cash / assetsMerger step

Failed Cash D Reorganization Explained

The all-cash D reorganization rules apply only when there is complete shareholder identity and proportionality of ownership between the target and the acquiror. Without that identity, an asset sale for cash followed by a liquidation is simply a taxable transaction. Treas. Reg. § 1.368-2(l).

A and B each own 50% of the stock of T. The T stock has a fair market value of $100x. B and C own 90% and 10%, respectively, of the stock of S. T sells all of its assets to S in exchange for $100x of cash and immediately liquidates.

Because complete shareholder identity and proportionality of ownership in T and S does not exist, paragraph (l)(2)(i) of this section does not apply. The requirements of sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 354(b)(1)(B) are not satisfied, and the transaction does not qualify as a reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(D).

Key Takeaways

Identity is required

The cash D rules apply only where the same persons own the target and acquiror in the same proportions. Here the owners of T and S differ.

Mismatched ownership fails

A and B own T equally, but S is owned 90% by B and 10% by C, so there is no complete shareholder identity or proportionality.

No deemed nominal share

Because paragraph (l)(2)(i) does not apply, there is no deemed issuance of a nominal share and no recast into a reorganization.

Taxable result

The asset sale for cash and the liquidation are tested under the general rules and are taxable, not a section 368(a)(1)(D) reorganization.