Where an employer transfers his establishment in whole or in part, by sale, gift, lease or licence or in any other manner whatsoever, the employer and the person to whom the establishment is so transferred shall jointly and severally be liable to pay the amount due in respect of any liabilities, cess or any other amount payable under this Code in respect of the periods up to the date of such transfer:
    Provided that the liability of the transferee shall be limited to the value of the assets obtained by him by such transfer.