Ƶ

Pre Contract Agreement for South Africa

Pre Contract Agreement Template for South Africa

A Pre Contract Agreement under South African law is a formal document that establishes the framework for negotiations between parties contemplating a significant business transaction or relationship. This document outlines the terms and conditions governing the preliminary phase of discussions, including confidentiality obligations, exclusivity provisions (if applicable), and the scope of negotiations. It provides legal protection while parties explore potential business opportunities, conduct due diligence, or negotiate more detailed agreements, all while operating within the South African legal framework and considering relevant legislation such as the Consumer Protection Act and POPIA.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Pre Contract Agreement

Let Ƶ's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Pre Contract Agreement?

The Pre Contract Agreement serves as an essential preliminary document in South African business transactions, establishing a legally binding framework for parties entering into negotiations or discussions for a potential business relationship. This document is typically used when parties need to protect confidential information, establish exclusivity periods, or set out the parameters for due diligence processes before finalizing a main agreement. It's particularly valuable in complex commercial transactions where significant preparation and negotiation are required. The agreement ensures compliance with South African legislation while providing clarity on parties' rights and obligations during the pre-contractual phase. It helps manage expectations, allocate preliminary costs, and reduce risks associated with early-stage business discussions.

What sections should be included in a Pre Contract Agreement?

1. Parties: Full legal names and details of all parties entering into the pre-contract agreement

2. Background: Context of the proposed transaction or relationship, including the purpose of entering into the pre-contract agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, ensuring clarity and consistent interpretation

4. Purpose and Scope: Clear statement of the agreement's purpose and the scope of preliminary discussions or negotiations

5. Duration: Period during which the pre-contract agreement will remain in force

6. Confidentiality Obligations: Terms governing the protection and non-disclosure of confidential information exchanged during negotiations

7. Good Faith Negotiations: Commitment to negotiate in good faith and outline of the negotiation process

8. Costs and Expenses: Allocation of costs incurred during the preliminary phase

9. No Binding Obligation: Clear statement that this agreement does not obligate parties to enter into a final contract

10. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of South African law as governing law and jurisdiction for disputes

11. Signatures: Execution clause and signature blocks for all parties

What sections are optional to include in a Pre Contract Agreement?

1. Exclusivity: Used when parties agree not to negotiate with other parties during the preliminary phase

2. Break Fee: Include when parties agree on compensation if one party withdraws from negotiations

3. Intellectual Property Protection: Required when discussions involve sharing of IP or proprietary information

4. Due Diligence Process: Include when the agreement covers terms for conducting due diligence

5. Timeline and Milestones: Used when parties want to set specific deadlines for negotiations or preliminary activities

6. Non-Competition: Include when parties need to restrict competitive activities during negotiations

7. Publicity and Announcements: Required when parties need to control public statements about their negotiations

What schedules should be included in a Pre Contract Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Negotiation Timeline: Detailed timeline of key dates and milestones for the negotiation process

2. Schedule 2 - Confidential Information: Specific list of information deemed confidential under the agreement

3. Schedule 3 - Authorized Representatives: List of designated representatives authorized to conduct negotiations

4. Appendix A - Due Diligence Requirements: Detailed requirements and procedures for due diligence if applicable

5. Appendix B - Form of Non-Disclosure Agreement: Template NDA for additional parties who may become involved in negotiations

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

South Africa

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions































Clauses




























Relevant Industries

Manufacturing

Technology and Software

Financial Services

Real Estate and Property Development

Mining and Natural Resources

Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Retail and Consumer Goods

Professional Services

Construction and Infrastructure

Energy and Utilities

Telecommunications

Agriculture and Agribusiness

Transportation and Logistics

Education and Training

Relevant Teams

Legal

Corporate Development

Business Development

Commercial

Finance

Risk and Compliance

Operations

Procurement

Strategy

Executive Leadership

Project Management

Investment

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Managing Director

Chief Legal Officer

Legal Counsel

Commercial Director

Business Development Manager

Chief Financial Officer

Investment Manager

Project Manager

Contract Manager

Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Company Secretary

Operations Director

Procurement Manager

Strategy Director

Corporate Development Officer

Industries






Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Common Agreement

A standard contractual framework under South African law that establishes fundamental terms and conditions for business relationships.

Download

Bilateral Contract

A South African law-compliant bilateral contract establishing mutual obligations between two parties with enforceable terms and conditions.

Download

Basic Ordering Agreement

A South African law-governed framework agreement establishing terms and conditions for future orders between parties.

Download

Consignment Agreement Form

A South African legal document establishing terms for consignment sales arrangements, where goods ownership remains with the supplier until final sale.

Download

Contract Agreement Form

A versatile Contract Agreement Form template compliant with South African law, suitable for various commercial relationships and business arrangements.

Download

Written Agreement

A formal legal document governed by South African law that establishes contractual relationships between parties, defining their rights and obligations.

Download

Side Agreement

A South African law-governed supplementary agreement that modifies or adds to an existing main agreement while maintaining its core structure.

Download

Incorporation Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing a new company's structure, governance, and shareholder relationships under the Companies Act 71 of 2008.

Download

Formal Agreement

A legally binding agreement governed by South African law that formalizes relationships between parties, ensuring compliance with local legislation and establishing clear terms and obligations.

Download

Casual Worker Contract

A South African-compliant casual worker employment contract establishing terms and conditions for temporary employment relationships.

Download

Business Transfer Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement for the transfer of a business as a going concern, including assets, employees, and liabilities.

Download

Boilerplate Agreement

A standard agreement template compliant with South African law, providing essential contractual framework for business relationships.

Download

Amended Contract

A South African law-governed document that formally modifies terms and conditions of an existing contract while maintaining its validity.

Download

Tooling Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms for industrial tool design, manufacture, supply, and maintenance, compliant with local manufacturing and safety regulations.

Download

Service Agreement Terms And Conditions

South African service agreement terms and conditions document establishing the legal framework for service provision between providers and clients.

Download

Representation Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing the terms and conditions under which a Representative may act on behalf of a Principal.

Download

Common Terms Agreement

A master agreement under South African law that establishes common terms across multiple facility agreements in syndicated lending arrangements.

Download

Buyer Agency Agreement

A South African legal agreement establishing an estate agent's authority to represent a buyer in property transactions, governed by local real estate laws.

Download

Labour Contract Copy

A South African employment agreement establishing terms and conditions of employment in compliance with local labor laws.

Download

Employee Agreement Form

A South African law-compliant employment agreement establishing terms and conditions between employer and employee.

Download

Statement Of Agreement

A formal document under South African law recording mutual understanding and agreed terms between parties, serving as a binding record of arrangements and commitments.

Download

Rent In Exchange For Services Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms for accommodation provided in exchange for specified services.

Download

Contractual Agreement

A legally binding Contractual Agreement template compliant with South African law and commercial practices.

Download

Security Agreement Form

A South African law-governed agreement creating security interests over assets, detailing the security arrangements and enforcement rights between a security provider and secured party.

Download

Business Cooperation Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for business collaboration between multiple parties.

Download

Employee Training Reimbursement Agreement

A South African law-compliant agreement setting out terms for employer-funded training and employee reimbursement obligations.

Download

Terms Of Business Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing core business terms and conditions between service providers and clients.

Download

Contract Of Indemnity And Guarantee

A South African law-governed agreement establishing guarantee and indemnity obligations, defining terms for financial security and risk mitigation between parties.

Download

Intent To Purchase Agreement

A South African legal document expressing formal intention to purchase property or assets, outlining preliminary terms and conditions for the proposed transaction.

Download

Professional Services Retainer Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services delivery under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Supply Contract Form

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for the regular supply of goods or services between supplier and purchaser.

Download

Business Contract

South African business contract template incorporating key legislative requirements and commercial terms for business-to-business relationships.

Download

Umbrella Agreement

A South African law-governed master agreement establishing framework terms for future specific agreements between parties.

Download

Share Purchase Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement documenting the terms and conditions for the sale and purchase of shares in a company.

Download

Professional Services Contract

A South African law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for professional services delivery between a service provider and client.

Download

Consulting Services Agreement

South African law-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for consulting services provision, including scope, payments, and compliance requirements.

Download

Buyer Representation Agreement

A South African law-compliant agreement establishing professional representation between a property buyer and real estate agent, outlining services, duties, and compensation terms.

Download

Master Service Agreement

A South African law-governed framework agreement establishing core terms for ongoing service delivery relationships between service providers and clients.

Download

Yearly Contract Agreement

A one-year contractual agreement compliant with South African law, establishing terms, conditions, and obligations between parties.

Download

White Label Agreement

A South African law-governed agreement enabling one party to rebrand and market another party's products/services under their own brand, with defined terms for licensing, operations, and compliance.

Download
See more related templates

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

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it