Parties
Identify legal entity names, registered addresses, and authorized signers for seller and broker, including EINs where applicable.
A clear BRA reduces disputes by defining commission triggers, exclusivity, termination rights, and confidentiality. It aligns seller and broker expectations, identifies duties during marketing and negotiation, and creates a contract record that supports enforceability and auditability under U.S. contract law and applicable state rules.
Common parties and roles that rely on a BRA template before a business sale.
The template helps these users reduce ambiguity and document the timeline, fees, and signatory authority.
Identify legal entity names, registered addresses, and authorized signers for seller and broker, including EINs where applicable.
Describe services the broker provides (marketing, buyer screening, negotiation, closing coordination) and any excluded duties or third‑party responsibilities.
State whether the broker has exclusive rights to market for a defined period, and define exceptions for pre‑existing buyer relationships.
Specify commission structure, calculation method, timing of payment, carve‑outs, and treatment of partial closings or seller‑initiated sales.
Include non‑disclosure obligations, permitted disclosures for lenders or accountants, and duration of confidentiality after termination.
Set notice periods, post‑termination commission protection windows, indemnities, and dispute resolution mechanism (mediation/arbitration).
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Upload | PDF or DOCX; preserve page breaks and signature pages |
| Template Fields | Add signature, date, initials, and calculated commission fields |
| Signer Order | Set signer sequence: broker then seller |
| Authentication | Use email + SMS code or stronger ID verification |
Use tools that support secure eSigning, audit trails, and common business file formats.
Ensure the platform supports export of a tamper‑evident signed PDF and maintains an auditable certificate of completion for enforcement and recordkeeping.
Date when broker duties begin
Fixed term for exclusive engagement
Number of days required to end agreement
Window for commission claims after termination
Timing for delivering financials and disclosures
An authorized corporate officer (CEO, President, or other officer) signs on behalf of a corporate seller. Confirm board or shareholder authorization when required and include title and signing authority in the signature block.
A named broker principal or licensed agent signs for the brokerage. Include broker license number and firm name to ensure regulatory compliance and enforceability.
A solo owner engages a broker to market a consulting firm for six months
A manufacturing company signs an exclusive BRA with an M&A advisor for nine months
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |