Mergers and Acquisitions: Letters of Intent and Other Early Stage Considerations

Credits in

General Icons 1.00 General

Practice Areas:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Icon About This Course

The earlier a client involves their attorneys (and other members of their advisory team) in the business sale process, the better for all parties involved. Competent legal advice in the early stages can improve both the outcome and the efficiency of the transaction. Attorneys will learn it is rarely too early to advise business clients on getting their business in the best position to maximize its value and attractiveness to potential buyers. 

This program aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various areas that should be addressed before and during the Letter of Intent stage of an M&A transaction, enabling attorneys to gain a fundamental understanding of the purpose and key elements of a Letter of Intent. This understanding will help participants create a strong foundation and initial roadmap for the subsequent progression of the transaction, from closing and beyond. Attendees will learn about the various areas to consider as early as possible to optimize their efforts and the client’s legal budget for the transaction.

This course is designed for attorneys who advise clients on general business matters and are looking to stay involved when clients are ready to grow through acquisition or sell as part of their exit strategy. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Review the issues with the client in advance of a sale. 
  2. Explore the stages of an M&A transaction that occur before the Letter of Intent.
  3. Examine the key elements of an effective Letter of Intent.


Production Date: 10/28/2025 | Closed captioning (CC) available

About the Presenters

Lesley Bennett, Esq.

Wilson Ratledge, PLLC

Practice Area: Business and Corporation (+ 4 other areas)

Since 1997, Lesley Bennett has worked with a diverse collection of closely-held businesses and their owners and families in North Carolina, from start-up to exit and everything in between, including buy-sell agreements, joint ventures, leases, and all manner of contracts, as well as mergers and acquisitions and sophisticated estate and succession/exit planning. Ms. Bennett has also worked extensively in 1031 like-kind exchanges and other commercial real estate transactions. Ms. Bennett is a member of the Business Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Wake County Bar Association.

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