Why You Must Be Careful When Writing a Letter of Intent

Posted on: 30 August 2021

When two businesses are forming an agreement, they might decide that they want to have a starting point that is written down. This written document is sometimes referred to as the "letter of intent." This letter of intent establishes the terms of the transaction. To make sure that your rights are protected, you will need to consult with business transaction law services.

Information to Include in a Letter of Intent

With a letter of intent, you will set forth the price, limitations, asset description, and closing conditions. By putting it in writing, it will be easier for both parties to determine if the agreement is right for them. This can aid in the negotiation process. 

The Impact of a Letter of Intent

Once you have a letter of intent, outside investors are more likely to think that your business has a serious agreement in place. This makes it easier to attract investments and loans. However, to get the most out of your letter of intent, you will need to consult with business transaction law services.

Mistakes to Avoid

One of the common mistakes you might encounter is that you may write a very long letter of intent that creates the impression that you have created a formal agreement. With the letter of intent, your purpose is not to commit to the agreement though you may commit to it in the future after the details have been ironed out. 

Once the letter of intent has been drafted and is signed, it must be clear that this is not a definitive agreement. This is simply an agreement to begin the process. However, it is possible to make some of the provisions in your letter of intent binding. If any provisions are binding, you will want to clearly state them as such. For example, you might mandate that the letter of intent is confidential. 

How to Enforce a Letter of Intent

You will want to put in place an agreement that the other party will pay a fine if they breach a clause. This both serves as a deterrent and also allows you to recoup damages you may have suffered as a result of the breach.

Regardless of how you wish to use your letter of intent, it must always be examined by a legal professional. Even something as simple as using the word "intend" in the letter can lead to future legal troubles. For more assistance, contact services like Boynton Waldron Doleac Woodman.

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