Parties
Identify full legal names and entity types for each party, including operating addresses and the role each party will play in the proposed transaction; avoid trade names alone to prevent ambiguity.
A well‑drafted LOI clarifies priorities, reduces negotiation time, and documents mutual expectations while preserving flexibility for a final contract. It can also allocate costs and set deadlines that protect each party during due diligence. From a legal perspective, explicit language can control whether particular clauses are binding, and electronic execution is generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws.
LOIs are used across deal sizes and sectors; several roles commonly prepare or approve them.
Identify the appropriate preparer and signer early to avoid delays and ensure the LOI reflects internal authority and approvals.
Typically a C‑level executive, controller, or authorized officer whose signature binds the entity. Confirm delegated authority and any board or committee approvals before signing to avoid later disputes over capacity.
In-house counsel or outside counsel often prepares or reviews LOIs to ensure binding provisions are limited and that confidentiality, exclusivity, and termination clauses are clear and enforceable under applicable law.
Identify full legal names and entity types for each party, including operating addresses and the role each party will play in the proposed transaction; avoid trade names alone to prevent ambiguity.
Describe the proposed transaction in clear terms — purchase price or rent range, asset or share transfer, payment schedule, and any earnout mechanics or adjustments contemplated.
List critical conditions precedent such as satisfactory due diligence, financing, third‑party consents, regulatory approvals, and specific deliverables with associated timelines.
State whether confidentiality provisions are binding and specify permitted disclosures, duration, and consequences for breach; reference any separate NDA already in effect.
If included, define the exclusivity period, scope (limited to specified proposals), and remedies or fees for breach to avoid differing expectations.
Identify which clauses are meant to be binding (for example, confidentiality, exclusivity, fees) and include signature blocks and applicable governing law language to reduce uncertainty.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Order | Set sequential or parallel signing based on required approvals |
| Authentication Level | Choose email link, SMS code, or advanced verification for signer identity |
| Conditional Fields | Show or hide clauses based on transaction type (asset vs share) |
| Retention Policy | Automatically archive executed LOIs to a secure repository |
Choose an eSignature platform that supports the required authentication, audit trail, and integrations for your workflow.
Specify exact date and time for acceptance or it lapses
State the number of days and starting event for inspections
Define the exclusivity term and any extension conditions
Provide a target closing date or range for final agreement
Specify required notice period for withdrawing the LOI
Parties sign and date the LOI; triggers subsequent deadlines.
Buyer completes inspections, document review, and third‑party checks.
Negotiation and drafting of the final purchase or lease agreement.
Final signatures, fund transfers, and handover of assets.
Due diligence schedules, financial statements, title reports, proof of authority, and existing NDAs are commonly attached as exhibits to substantiate LOI assertions and speed negotiations.
Export executed LOIs as tamper‑evident PDF/A with an embedded audit trail to preserve timestamps, signer metadata, and a verifiable signature history for later review.
Keep a master DOCX or template version for internal use so teams can reuse approved clause language and maintain version control during deal cycles.
Store a final package that includes the signed LOI, signatory evidence, and correspondence in your contract management system for compliance and audit purposes.
The team used an LOI to record key deal economics quickly
Optica summarized terms in an LOI before term sheet drafting
| 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 | Yes, 7-day trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |