Letter of Intent – Download a free business template

A letter of intent (LOI) is a document that lists the terms of a preliminary commitment between two or more parties that desire to engage in business. The LOI is typically drafted and signed before the finalization of a definitive legal agreement and can be legally binding or non-binding depending on the wishes of the parties.

A LOI is similar to a ‘memorandum of understanding’ or a ‘term sheet,’ which are used for the similar purposes as a LOI, but are generally presented in a different format. A LOI is generally presented in the form of a letter sent from a sending party to a receiving party and giving the receiving party the opportunity to accept the terms of the LOI by countersigning the LOI.

Letter of Intent Template

SBA.com® has created a sample LOI which you may download and customize to your liking.

Download .docx
Download .pdf

One example where an LOI would be practical is in the merger and acquisitions (M&A) process, where one company plans to acquire another company. An LOI would address the desire and preliminary commitment for Company A to purchase Company B. The LOI would contain the proposed terms of the transaction and possibly a timeline in which the proposed transaction would occur. If Company A and Company B execute the LOI, they would then move onto a more advanced contracting phase which would firm up the commitments and terms of the transaction.

Why an LOI?

An LOI often facilitates the start of a business deal between the parties involved by establishing the foundational aspects of the deal. This helps get the process started as the parties move towards a full contract. The involved parties can draw out the fundamental terms quickly before they spend time, resources, and money on detailed agreements, due diligence, and/or third-party approvals. This makes an LOI especially useful in transactions that are either very complex or that the parties do not know all of the details about at the start of the transaction.

Some advantages of using an LOI include:

• An LOI acts as a guide and roadmap early on in a potential transaction. The LOI can contain a schedule to reach a formal deal.
• It enables two or more parties to establish the basic terms of a deal without the expenses of drafting lengthy legal contracts.
• While an LOI is being drafted, there are opportunities for all parties to clarify any misunderstanding early on in the deal.
• From a seller’s standpoint, an LOI conveys the fact that the proposed buyer is serious about the transaction.
• It enables the seller to assess the buyer’s background and financial position.
• From a buyer’s standpoint, it could provide a level of protection by preventing the seller from choosing another party. A “right of first refusal” clause could give the buyer some amount of protection.
• The parties have the option to make all, some or none of the terms of the LOI legally binding.

Conclusion

A Letter of Intent facilitates the start of a business deal or project between the parties involved by establishing the foundational aspects of a deal and setting the expectations moving forward. It brings a level of assurance to the involved parties and serves as a roadmap towards the signing of the final deal. While an LOI is typically non-binding, it can provide an opportunity to introduce certain binding clauses, such as certain confidentiality provisions.