
Explain That by Velocity Legal
Heads of Agreement: Binding Terms, Due Diligence and Deal Risk
What is a heads of agreement, and is it legally binding? Heads of agreement are commonly used at the beginning of a business sale, acquisition or other commercial transaction to record the key terms before a formal contract is prepared. Although they are often treated as preliminary or non-binding documents, poor drafting can create legal obligations, restrict negotiations and affect a party’s position before due diligence is complete. In this episode of Explain That by Velocity Legal, Lauren Gross, Senior Associate in Velocity Legal’s Commercial team, discusses how heads of agreement work, when they should be used, and the legal and commercial risks businesses should consider before signing one. The discussion covers: what a heads of agreement is; the difference between heads of agreement, term sheets, memoranda of understanding and non-binding indicative offers; when a heads of agreement may be legally binding; which provisions are commonly binding, including confidentiality and exclusivity; the role of due diligence before and after a heads of agreement is signed; the risks of agreeing to a purchase price before due diligence is complete; how exclusivity periods operate in business sale negotiations; termination provisions and what happens if negotiations break down; who should prepare the formal sale agreement; how heads of agreement can help manage transaction timelines and deal fatigue; and the Victorian Court of Appeal decision in Delaney v Delaney and what it demonstrates about binding preliminary agreements. The episode also considers when a heads of agreement may not be necessary and when proceeding directly to a formal contract may be more efficient. A practical discussion for business owners, accountants, advisers, buyers and sellers involved in business sales, acquisitions, share sales or other commercial transactions. For advice on heads of agreement, business sales, acquisitions or commercial contracts, contact Velocity Legal’s Commercial team.


