Letter of Intent Template for United States

A Letter of Intent outlines the main terms of a proposed deal before creating the final, binding contract. Think of it as a formal handshake that captures key points both parties have discussed and agreed to pursue - like price, timeline, and basic terms for a business purchase, merger, or major transaction.

While usually non-binding in U.S. business law, these letters help prevent misunderstandings and keep negotiations on track. They also signal serious commitment to the deal, often including confidentiality terms and exclusive negotiating rights. Many companies use them as a roadmap while attorneys draft the detailed final agreements.

Use a Letter of Intent when planning major business deals like mergers, acquisitions, or real estate purchases - especially before investing significant time and money in due diligence. It helps lock down basic terms early, showing both parties are serious about moving forward while protecting sensitive discussions.

The letter becomes particularly valuable during complex negotiations involving multiple stakeholders or when dealing with time-sensitive opportunities. For example, startup founders often use Letters of Intent to secure potential investors' interest, and commercial real estate developers rely on them to outline purchase terms while arranging financing.

• Commercial Lease Letter Of Intent: Outlines proposed terms for leasing commercial property, including rent, duration, and space requirements
• Employment Letter Of Intent: Documents preliminary agreement on key employment terms like position, salary, and start date
• Graduate Letter Of Intent: Expresses interest in graduate programs, highlighting academic goals and qualifications
• Professional Letter Of Interest: Initiates business opportunities or partnerships with specific goals and proposed terms
• Expression Letter Of Interest: More informal version expressing preliminary interest in business collaborations or opportunities

• Business Executives: CEOs, CFOs, and other senior leaders who initiate and negotiate major deals, using Letters of Intent to outline key terms before detailed negotiations
• Real Estate Developers: Use these letters to secure property interests and outline purchase or lease terms while arranging financing
• Corporate Attorneys: Draft and review the letters to ensure legal compliance and protect client interests during negotiations
• Investment Bankers: Facilitate mergers and acquisitions by helping structure Letters of Intent between buyers and sellers
• Business Owners: Small to medium-sized business owners use them when selling their companies or forming significant partnerships

• Basic Deal Terms: Gather key points like price, timeline, and transaction scope that both parties have discussed and agreed upon
• Party Information: Collect legal names, addresses, and authorized signatories for all involved organizations
• Confidentiality Needs: Identify what sensitive information needs protection during negotiations
• Timeline Details: Map out key dates, including due diligence periods and expected closing timeframes
• Deal Structure: Outline payment terms, conditions, and any major contingencies affecting the transaction
• Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-sound Letter of Intent that includes all required elements and minimizes drafting errors

• Opening Statement: Clear identification of parties and transaction type, with date and location
• Deal Terms: Core business points like price, timeline, and scope of the proposed transaction
• Binding vs. Non-binding: Explicit statement about which provisions are legally enforceable
• Confidentiality: Terms protecting sensitive information shared during negotiations
• Exclusivity Period: Time frame during which parties agree not to negotiate with others
• Due Diligence: Process and timeline for reviewing relevant documents and information
• Governing Law: State law that will apply to interpret the agreement
• Signature Block: Space for authorized representatives to sign and date

A Letter of Intent differs significantly from an Engagement Letter, though both documents help establish business relationships. While Letters of Intent outline preliminary terms for major transactions like mergers or property deals, Engagement Letters typically formalize professional service relationships, especially with attorneys, consultants, or accountants.

• Binding Nature: Letters of Intent are usually non-binding on main deal terms, while Engagement Letters create immediate legal obligations
• Scope and Detail: Letters of Intent provide broad transaction frameworks, while Engagement Letters specify exact services, fees, and deliverables
• Timeline Focus: Letters of Intent look toward future negotiations, while Engagement Letters govern immediate working relationships
• Purpose: Letters of Intent facilitate deal negotiations, while Engagement Letters establish professional service agreements