A term sheet (also known as a letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or heads of agreement) sets out the key commercial and legal terms of a proposed transaction. It's usually (but not always) a precursor to formal contractual documentation being prepared and signed by the relevant parties.
A term sheet is often the description used for the non-binding document in M&A or financing deals while MOU or LOI is used to describe the non-binding document in other commercial transactions. But do not be surprised if you find MOUs being used in M&A deals or term sheets being used in distributorship negotiations.
CohnReznick's Beth Mullen looks at several important points in a deal term sheet. Credit delivery amount and timing. Guarantees. Reserves. Year 15 exit options. Implied costs for third-party reports.
Although the term sheet itself is not typically legally binding, some term sheets contain certain legally binding provisions (for example, confidentiality or exclusivity).
How to Prepare a Term Sheet Identify the Purpose of the Term Sheet Agreements. Briefly Summarize the Terms and Conditions. List the Offering Terms. Include Dividends, Liquidation Preference, and Provisions. Identify the Participation Rights. Create a Board of Directors. End with the Voting Agreement and Other Matters.
Following signing of the term sheet, the terms of the investment will need to be brought to life in comprehensive legal documentation. You will have agreed with the investor in the term sheetwhose lawyers will initiate the drafts, usually the investor will like to take control.
A term sheet is a nonbinding agreement that shows the basic terms and conditions of an investment. It is a template and basis for more detailed, legally binding documents.
“Term sheets”, “letters of intent”, “memoranda of understanding” and “agreements in principle” may constitute an enforceable agreement if the writing includes all the essential terms of an agreement. This is so even if “the parties intended to negotiate a 'fuller agreement'”.
Term sheets outline the economics of a deal and the overall governance structure that investors will have in the business to which they are signaling interest. Economic terms outlined in term sheets include company valuation, investment amount, percentage stake, and liquidation preference.
How to Prepare a Term Sheet Identify the Purpose of the Term Sheet Agreements. Briefly Summarize the Terms and Conditions. List the Offering Terms. Include Dividends, Liquidation Preference, and Provisions. Identify the Participation Rights. Create a Board of Directors. End with the Voting Agreement and Other Matters.