In the wake of the volatility that has affected virtually all markets, the inherently difficult task of agreeing on the price of a business in an acquisition has become even more challenging. Sellers may expect a quick recovery in their businesses or in general market valuations and hold optimistic views of values. Buyers may be focused on today’s prices and unwilling to bet on a quick recovery. How can parties with these seemingly conflicting concerns reach an agreement? Increasingly, sellers and buyers are turning to earnouts, which can help accommodate different views about the long-term value of a business, but they also add complexity, and can be a basis for disputes, so require careful consideration and structuring.