Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Business Interest Expression of Interest Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Business Interest Expression of Interest Form

Date Submitted:

Interested Party (Submitting Entity)

Recipient (Target Entity)

Recitals

WHEREAS, Interested Party represents that it has conducted preliminary review and has a bona fide interest in pursuing a potential business transaction involving:

WHEREAS, Recipient is the owner, operator, or authorized representative of the target business or assets identified above and is willing to receive an expression of interest subject to the terms set forth herein.

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the preliminary scope, proposed terms and certain binding and non-binding provisions governing the exchange of information and the contemplated transaction.

Scope of Interest / Scope of Work

Describe the scope of the proposed engagement, interest, or contemplated transaction. Include key activities, deliverables or milestones.

Proposed Consideration and Payment Terms

Proposed Purchase Price / Consideration Amount:

Term and Termination

Proposed Term Start Date:

Proposed Term End Date:

Confidentiality

The parties acknowledge that in the course of evaluating and negotiating the contemplated transaction each party may receive Confidential Information. Confidential Information means non-public information disclosed orally, visually, or in writing that is identified as confidential or that a reasonable person would understand to be confidential.

Each party agrees: (a) to hold Confidential Information in strict confidence and to use it solely to evaluate or consummate the transaction; (b) not to disclose Confidential Information to any third party except to those permitted recipients who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as protective as those contained herein; and (c) to take reasonable measures to protect Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure. This obligation survives termination of discussions for a period of years.

Non-Binding and No Obligation

Except for the Confidentiality obligations and any expressly stated binding provisions in this form, this Expression of Interest is non-binding and does not create any obligation on either party to proceed with the contemplated transaction. Neither party shall be liable for failure to consummate a transaction unless and until a definitive written agreement has been executed by both parties.

Representations and Authority

Each party represents and warrants that it has the full power and authority to execute and deliver this Expression of Interest and to perform its obligations hereunder. The submitting party certifies that the information provided in this form is true and correct to the best of its knowledge and that the person signing below is authorized to sign on behalf of the submitting entity.

Governing Law

This Expression of Interest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of without regard to conflict of laws principles.

Entire Agreement

This Expression of Interest, together with any executed confidentiality agreement between the parties, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, proposals and understandings, whether written or oral, except that any subsequent definitive agreement shall govern if executed.

Additional Terms or Clarifications

Certification

By signing below, the undersigned certifies that they are authorized to submit this Expression of Interest on behalf of the submitting entity, that the information supplied herein is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge, and that they have read and understood the terms set forth in this form.

Interested Party Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Recipient Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Business Interest Expression of Interest Form Is

A Business Interest Expression of Interest Form is a concise written expression used to signal a party's preliminary intent to pursue a commercial opportunity or transaction. Typical uses include indicating interest in an acquisition, joint venture, lease, franchise, or vendor relationship. The form normally summarizes the party, the scope of interest, basic economic terms, and any requested next steps while explicitly stating whether the statement is non-binding or subject to further negotiation and formal agreement.

Why a Clear Expression of Interest Matters

A well-crafted Expression of Interest clarifies intent, accelerates screening, and preserves negotiation leverage while limiting premature legal exposure when marked non-binding.

Why a Clear Expression of Interest Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Receives These Forms

These forms are used by a range of parties to initiate discussions without creating a full contractual obligation.

  • Startups and investors screening opportunities and documenting initial commercial intent for due diligence preparation.
  • Real estate buyers, tenants, and landlords initiating interest in property transactions or lease arrangements.
  • Corporate business development teams and vendors signaling intent to negotiate supply, franchising, or partnership terms.

Use the form to document interest, invite due diligence, and set a response timetable before advancing to definitive agreements.

Who Signs and Who Represents the Entity

Authorized Officer

A company officer (CEO, President, or authorized designee) typically signs for a business entity. The signer must have authority to commit the organization to negotiations; include job title and contact details to demonstrate authority.

Authorized Representative

An external agent or broker may sign with evidence of agency (power of attorney or engagement letter). Include documentation showing delegated signing authority to avoid disputes.

Essential Fields to Include

Entity Name: Legal business name
Contact Information: Phone, email, and address
Tax ID: EIN or TIN where relevant
Interest Description: Concise scope of interest
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format
Signature Block: Signer name, title, date

Key Risks and Potential Consequences

Unclear Binding Status: May create unintended obligations
Misstated Tax Details: Triggers backup withholding (24%)
Incorrect Signatory: Contract unenforceability risk
Missing Supporting Docs: Delays or denial of negotiation
Public Disclosure Risk: Confidentiality breaches
Data Retention Failures: Regulatory noncompliance

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to state whether the form is binding or non-binding, which can lead to disputes over obligations.
  • Providing vague descriptions of the proposed interest, resulting in misaligned expectations and wasted due diligence.
  • Using incorrect or inconsistent legal names or tax identifiers that prevent proper contract routing or tax compliance.
  • Omitting contact or signatory authority information, which slows verification and can invalidate the response.

How to Complete the Form, Step by Step

Follow these steps to prepare, verify, and submit a clear Expression of Interest.

  • 01
    Prepare Details: Summarize parties, scope, and proposed terms.
  • 02
    Confirm Authority: Verify signer has corporate signing authority.
  • 03
    Clarify Binding Status: State explicitly non-binding or subject to contract.
  • 04
    Sign and Send: Execute, date, and deliver to the receiving party.

Where to Send or File an Expression of Interest

Choose the appropriate recipient and recordkeeping method to ensure traceability of the expression.

  • Primary Recipient: Send to named contact or business development lead.
  • Company Records: Store in the originating party's contract repository.
  • Seller or Owner: Deliver to property owner or transaction counterparty.
  • CRM / Deal Room: Upload to CRM or secure project folder for audit trails.

Configuring an Online E-sign Workflow

Set up an online workflow that captures signatures, timestamps, and an audit trail for each Expression of Interest.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Required; signer name and date capture
Authentication Email or SMS OTP as signer ID
Notifications Automated email on completion
Storage Encrypted PDF with audit log

Technical Options for Digital Completion

Use a platform that supports common file formats, signer authentication, and a tamper-evident audit trail.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and searchable text
  • Authentication: Email OTP, SMS, or KBA
  • Integrations: CRM and cloud storage connectors

Typical Timelines and Response Deadlines

Establish clear deadlines to keep negotiations on schedule and limit open-ended obligations.

Submission Window:

Submit within stated solicitation period

Response Deadline:

Respond by the date specified in the invitation

Review Period:

Allow 7–21 days for counterparty review

Due Diligence:

Start immediately after interest is acknowledged

Execution Date:

Set a target date for definitive agreements

Key Milestones from Interest to Execution

Track these sequential milestones to move from expression to a definitive agreement efficiently.

01

Expression Submitted

Party sends completed form and supporting materials.

02

Acknowledgment Sent

Recipient confirms receipt and next steps timeline.

03

Due Diligence Period

Parties exchange documents and perform validation.

04

Negotiation & Execution

Negotiate terms and sign definitive agreements.

Core Sections of a Professional Expression of Interest

Include structured sections that communicate intent clearly while protecting both parties during early-stage discussions.

Header

Document title, version, and effective date for clear identification and auditability on receipt and recordkeeping.

Parties

Full legal names, business types, addresses, and primary contact details so counterparty verification and routing occur without delay.

Scope of Interest

Concise, specific description of the asset, transaction, or service being sought; avoid vague or open-ended language.

Proposed Terms

High-level economic points (price range, key dates, contingencies) to focus subsequent negotiations and due diligence.

Binding Statement

Explicit clause stating whether the form is non-binding or which provisions remain binding (e.g., confidentiality).

Signatures

Named signer, title, date, and contact details to confirm authority and enable rapid follow-up.

Download, Save, and Supporting Document Options

Provide formats and attachments that preserve the record and support downstream legal or tax review.

Formats

Offer final documents as PDF/A for long-term preservation and as DOCX for editable internal copies when appropriate.

Audit Trail

Retain a signed audit log showing timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication events for evidentiary support.

Attachments

Include financial statements, proof of authority, or property disclosures as labeled exhibits to support claims.

Templates

Maintain a controlled template library to ensure consistency and reduce drafting errors across transactions.

How an Expression of Interest Differs from Similar Documents

Compare common preliminary documents to choose the correct instrument for your transaction stage.

Document Type Binding? Typical Use
Expression of Interest typically non-binding early screening
Letter of Intent sometimes binding summarize negotiated terms
Offer often binding formal contract proposal
NDA protect confidentiality

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Adopt consistent processes and templates to reduce errors and accelerate review cycles.

Use a Standard Template
Maintain a version-controlled template library with required fields and guidance; standardization reduces drafting time and limits inconsistent or missing information across transactions.
Be Explicit About Binding Terms
Clearly label which clauses, if any, are intended to be binding (for example confidentiality or exclusivity) to prevent unintended obligations and clarify the parties' expectations.
Validate Signatory Authority
Confirm the signer has corporate authority or obtain a power of attorney; include title and contact information to speed verification and reduce challenges to enforceability.
Attach Supporting Documents
Include exhibits such as financial statements, proof of authority, or property disclosures; attachments clarify assertions and shorten due diligence timelines.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Form Execution

Compare basic pricing and key feature availability across common eSignature vendors to inform platform selection for executing Expression of Interest forms.

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 by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of Use

These short examples show how different organizations used an Expression of Interest to begin transactions or streamline approvals.

Optica Ventures — Initial Screening

Optica submitted an Expression of Interest to signal acquisition interest and request financials.

  • The form outlined scope and timing expectations.
  • The concise form accelerated initial discussions and allowed both parties to prioritize resources before a formal LOI and detailed due diligence process.

Martin Properties — Remote Execution

Martin Properties used an online Expression of Interest to capture tenant interest for a lease.

  • The form included property ID and basic terms.
  • The digital process, combined with mobile signing and clear non-binding language, enabled rapid follow-up and reduced administrative delays prior to negotiating a lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about legal effect, e-signing, authority, and revocation of Expressions of Interest.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users