Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Preliminary Agreement
I need a preliminary agreement for a potential business partnership outlining the scope of collaboration, initial terms, and confidentiality clauses, with a focus on renewable energy projects. The agreement should include a 3-month exclusivity period and a clause for mutual evaluation before finalizing a formal contract.
What is a Preliminary Agreement?
A Preliminary Agreement sets the groundwork for a future contract by outlining key terms both parties intend to follow. In Danish business practice, these agreements create a framework for negotiations while letting both sides explore the deal further before making a final commitment.
Under Danish contract law, Preliminary Agreements can be legally binding if they contain specific, clear commitments - even before signing the final contract. Common uses include real estate transactions, business mergers, and major commercial deals where parties need to show good faith during complex negotiations. They often include confidentiality terms, exclusivity periods, and basic obligations that protect everyone's interests during talks.
When should you use a Preliminary Agreement?
Use a Preliminary Agreement when entering complex negotiations that need structure and security, especially in Danish business deals that take time to finalize. This document proves especially valuable for mergers, property developments, or technology partnerships where you need to protect confidential information and set clear expectations early on.
The agreement becomes essential when coordinating with multiple stakeholders, securing exclusive negotiation rights, or mapping out a staged approach to a major transaction. Danish courts recognize these agreements as binding commitments, making them perfect for situations where you need to lock in basic terms while working out complex details, or when seeking initial board approval for a larger deal.
What are the different types of Preliminary Agreement?
- Basic Letters of Intent: Outline core deal terms and timeline without creating binding obligations beyond confidentiality
- Binding Term Sheets: Create firm commitments on key points while leaving room for detailed negotiations
- Framework Agreements: Set up long-term collaboration structures, especially useful for ongoing business relationships
- Memoranda of Understanding: Focus on establishing mutual understanding and cooperation principles, popular in public-private partnerships
- Exclusivity Agreements: Specifically protect negotiation rights and prevent dealing with other parties during a set period
Who should typically use a Preliminary Agreement?
- Corporate Executives: Lead negotiations and set strategic direction for Preliminary Agreements, often serving as primary signatories
- In-house Legal Teams: Draft and review terms, ensure compliance with Danish law, and protect company interests
- External Law Firms: Provide specialized expertise for complex deals, especially in cross-border transactions
- Business Development Teams: Identify opportunities and manage relationship aspects during preliminary discussions
- Board Members: Review and approve significant agreements, particularly for major investments or strategic partnerships
- Financial Advisors: Support valuation aspects and financial term structuring in merger or acquisition scenarios
How do you write a Preliminary Agreement?
- Basic Deal Terms: Gather essential information about parties, proposed transaction scope, and timeline expectations
- Authority Check: Confirm signing authority and internal approval requirements for all parties involved
- Key Objectives: List specific goals, milestones, and any deal-breaker conditions upfront
- Confidentiality Needs: Define what information needs protection and for how long
- Legal Parameters: Identify which terms should be binding versus non-binding under Danish law
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a customized agreement that includes all required elements
- Internal Review: Circulate draft to key stakeholders for feedback before finalizing
What should be included in a Preliminary Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, registration numbers, and authorized representatives of all involved entities
- Purpose Statement: Clear description of intended transaction or relationship scope
- Binding Terms: Explicit identification of which provisions are legally binding under Danish law
- Confidentiality Clause: Scope of protected information and duration of obligations
- Timeline Elements: Key dates, deadlines, and duration of the agreement
- Exclusivity Terms: Any restrictions on negotiating with other parties
- Termination Rights: Conditions and process for ending preliminary discussions
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Danish law and jurisdiction
What's the difference between a Preliminary Agreement and a Business Acquisition Agreement?
A Preliminary Agreement differs significantly from a Business Acquisition Agreement in several key aspects under Danish law. While both documents play roles in business transactions, their timing, scope, and legal implications vary considerably.
- Legal Binding Effect: Preliminary Agreements typically contain both binding and non-binding elements, while Business Acquisition Agreements are fully binding contracts
- Transaction Stage: Preliminary Agreements establish framework for negotiations, while Business Acquisition Agreements finalize the actual purchase terms
- Detail Level: Preliminary Agreements outline basic terms and intentions, whereas Business Acquisition Agreements include comprehensive transaction details, warranties, and precise obligations
- Timing and Duration: Preliminary Agreements are temporary stepping stones, while Business Acquisition Agreements serve as permanent transaction records
- Risk Allocation: Preliminary Agreements focus on negotiation protections, while Business Acquisition Agreements distribute business operational risks
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.