Buying from a defunct corporation?

[Lee Atwater]

No matter how much I google I can't find info on this.

So 6 months ago I bought tax delinquent land from an auction. It was owned by a defunct contracting company which ceased to exist in 1990. At that time, the land was worthless, now it is a bit more valuable.

There is land next to it that I also wish to purchase, it is also owned by the contracting company.

I know how to push this land to auction but I feel I would get a better price/easier time buying from the owners instead.

I know where to find the old president of the company.

Is it a good idea/possible to try to purchase the land from him or should I just have it pushed to auction where I know others will bid against me?