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Heads of Agreement
Free heads of agreement template — a preliminary, largely non-binding outline of key deal terms before a full contract is drafted.
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This free heads of agreement covers Key Terms, Binding Provisions, Due Diligence, Next Steps with 9 clearly marked [placeholder] fields to fill in — built for founders, freelancers, and small business owners formalizing a business decision or agreement without paying a lawyer to draft it from scratch. Copy it into your own word processor, fill in the placeholders, and review it — or adapt it — before use. It's part of docstoc's free document template library, alongside business, legal, real estate, finance, and HR templates. Every template here is free to copy with no signup required, and each one carries a plain disclaimer: this is a starting point for informational purposes, not a substitute for advice from a licensed professional in your jurisdiction.
Heads of Agreement
Party A: [Name] Party B: [Name] Date: [Date]
This Heads of Agreement sets out the key terms the parties have agreed in principle for [Transaction Description], to be formalized in a definitive agreement.
Key Terms
1. [Term — e.g. purchase price/valuation] 2. [Term — e.g. structure of the deal] 3. [Term — e.g. key conditions to close] 4. [Term — e.g. timeline]
Binding Provisions
The parties intend Sections [X] (confidentiality) and [Y] (exclusivity, if included) to be legally binding. All other provisions are a statement of intent only and not legally binding until a definitive agreement is signed.
Due Diligence
Each party will have [Number] days to complete due diligence.
Next Steps
The parties will work in good faith to negotiate and execute a definitive agreement reflecting these terms by [Target Date].
Party A: ______________________ Date: ____________ Party B: ______________________ Date: ____________
*This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. "Heads of agreement" (common in UK/Commonwealth M&A practice) serves the same function as a US-style Letter of Intent — be explicit about which sections are actually binding, since ambiguity here has led to real litigation over whether a "preliminary" document was enforceable.*
Edit directly in the box above. Download PDF anytime — the docstoc.io footer is always included and cannot be removed.
What's included
- Edit online — click the document, fill in placeholders, download a PDF
- 4 standard sections: Key Terms, Binding Provisions, Due Diligence, Next Steps
- 9 clearly marked [placeholder] fields for quick personalizing
- Free to use — no account or signup required
- Fully editable — adjust any clause to match your actual situation
- Includes a signature block, ready to print or sign digitally
- Fixed docstoc.io footer on every PDF (not removable)
Who this template is for
Freelancers & solo founders
Handling routine business paperwork without commissioning custom legal drafting for every document.
Small businesses
Standardizing recurring documents — leases, agreements, notices — across a growing operation.
Anyone reviewing before signing
Using a clear starting structure to understand what a document should cover, even if a lawyer finalizes it.
Early-stage businesses
Getting the basics documented before things get more complex.
FAQ
Is this heads of agreement template really free?
Yes. Like every template in docstoc's library, this heads of agreement is free to use, with no account or signup needed to view, edit, or download it.
What does this heads of agreement cover?
This business template includes Key Terms, Binding Provisions, Due Diligence, Next Steps. Fill in the [bracketed] placeholders, edit any clause online, then download a PDF — the docstoc.io footer stays on every export.
Is this legal advice?
No. Templates like this cover the common ground most businesses need, but they can't anticipate your specific deal terms, jurisdiction, or industry rules. Treat it as a first draft to build from, and get a business attorney's eyes on it before signing anything that matters.
Can I edit the wording?
Yes. All 9 placeholder fields and every clause are editable right on the page — change what doesn't fit, then download an updated PDF anytime.
Where can I find more free templates like this?
Browse more free business and related document templates in the docstoc library at /document-templates/.
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