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12 Best Letter of Intent Templates for Business Deals (2025)

A letter of intent (LOI) is a key document that outlines the main terms of a business deal before you create a formal, binding contract. Think of it as a handsh...

Nathan Gouttegatat

Nathan Gouttegatat

1
Strategy

12 Best Letter of Intent Templates for Business Deals (2025)

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12 Best Letter of Intent Templates for Business Deals (2025)

A letter of intent (LOI) is a key document that outlines the main terms of a business deal before you create a formal, binding contract. Think of it as a handshake on paper—it shows you’re serious and sets up a clear roadmap for negotiation, saving everyone time and money. But starting from a blank page is tough, especially without a legal background. This is where a good letter of intent template for business becomes essential.

This guide makes it easy to find the right template. We've reviewed the best online resources for LOIs, covering different situations like buying a business, starting a joint venture, or purchasing assets. Instead of a long, confusing list, we offer a clear breakdown of each option to help you choose wisely.

For each resource, you'll get a simple overview, see what it's best for, and find a direct link to get started. We'll show you exactly where to find reliable, well-structured templates so you can negotiate with confidence, knowing your interests are protected by a professional document.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers a guided process for creating a legally sound letter of intent template for business, making it a great choice if you prioritize legal quality. Instead of just giving you a file to download, the platform asks you a series of questions about your deal. Your answers automatically build a custom LOI tailored to your specific needs, whether it's an asset purchase or a stock sale. This interactive approach helps ensure you don't miss important details.

LegalZoom

The biggest advantage is that all templates are drafted by attorneys, giving you more confidence than a generic, free document. For example, if you're buying a small coffee shop, the questionnaire will prompt you for specifics like the purchase price, included equipment, and a proposed closing date. While you have to create an account and pay for the final document, LegalZoom's trusted brand offers peace of mind. For an extra fee, you can even have a lawyer review your finished LOI.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Guided CreationAn interactive Q&A builds a custom LOI for your specific deal.Excellent. Helps you avoid missing key clauses.
Legal QualityTemplates are drafted by attorneys for US legal standards.Excellent. A huge advantage over generic free templates.
Access ModelRequires an account and a one-time purchase to download the final PDF.Fair. The cost reflects the quality, but it's not free.
Attorney ReviewAn optional service to have a lawyer review your finished document.Good. A smart option for high-stakes negotiations.

Best For: US-based entrepreneurs who want a high-quality, lawyer-vetted letter of intent without the high cost of a traditional law firm.

Website: LegalZoom Letter of Intent for Business

2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer provides a quick, step-by-step tool for creating a letter of intent template for business, perfect for anyone who needs a compliant document fast. The platform's interview-style format walks you through essential questions, automatically generating a state-specific LOI based on your responses. This method ensures your document covers all the bases for transactions like business purchases or partnerships, and it provides helpful explanations along the way.

Rocket Lawyer

A key feature is the direct access to legal help. For instance, if you're unsure about adding an "exclusivity" clause that prevents the seller from negotiating with others, you can ask an attorney directly through the platform. Rocket Lawyer also includes built-in e-signatures, making it easy to sign the document once both parties agree. While full access requires a subscription after the 7-day free trial, the blend of a fast document builder and on-demand legal advice offers excellent value.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Step-by-Step BuilderAn interactive Q&A process creates a state-compliant LOI.Excellent. Very fast and easy to use, even with no legal experience.
Integrated Legal HelpIncludes access to attorney Q&A and optional document reviews.Excellent. Fills the gap between a simple template and hiring a lawyer.
Access ModelRequires a subscription for full features after a 7-day free trial.Fair. The trial is useful, but ongoing access has a recurring fee.
Built-in E-SignatureIncludes RocketSign for securely signing and sharing the LOI.Good. Adds convenience by keeping everything in one place.

Best For: Small business owners who need to generate a custom, state-specific LOI quickly and want the option of on-demand legal support.

Website: Rocket Lawyer Letter of Intent

3. PandaDoc

PandaDoc transforms a simple template into a powerful document workflow tool. It offers a free and customizable letter of intent template for business within its modern, web-based editor. This is perfect for teams, as the platform includes features like variables (which act like mail-merge fields), commenting, and version tracking. Imagine your team and legal counsel all commenting on the same document in real-time—it makes drafting and editing the LOI much more efficient.

PandaDoc

The main benefit of PandaDoc is its all-in-one functionality. After finalizing the letter, you can send it for e-signature directly through the platform, which includes a secure audit trail. It even provides analytics, letting you know when the other party has opened and viewed your LOI. While the template itself is free, the best features are part of the broader PandaDoc ecosystem, which may require a paid plan. Using tools like this effectively is a key step in the market validation process for any software tool.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Web-Based EditorModern editor with variables to easily personalize documents.Excellent. Simplifies creating custom LOIs for different deals.
Integrated eSignBuilt-in electronic signature and secure audit trail.Excellent. A seamless way to move from drafting to a signed agreement.
Collaboration ToolsFeatures for team comments, approvals, and managing workflow.Good. Great for teams, but might be too much for a solo user.
Usage AnalyticsTracks when the document is opened, viewed, and completed.Good. Gives you helpful insight into the other party's engagement.

Best For: Teams and businesses looking for a streamlined workflow that takes a document from creation to signature all in one place.

Website: PandaDoc Letter of Intent Template

4. eForms

For those who want a simple, no-fuss letter of intent template for business, eForms is an excellent choice. The platform focuses on providing straightforward, downloadable documents without complex online builders. You can instantly download templates for a business purchase in PDF, Word, or ODT format, making it easy to start drafting right away in your preferred software. The site also includes clear, plain-English explanations to help you understand the legal terms.

eForms

The main benefit of eForms is speed and simplicity. For example, you can download a business purchase LOI in Word, fill in the blanks for the buyer, seller, and price, and have a draft ready for review in minutes. While some advanced documents require a subscription, the basic LOI is free. The site also provides helpful links to related documents you might need later, like a formal purchase agreement. This makes it a great starting point if you want a solid template without a financial commitment.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Downloadable FormatsProvides templates in Word, PDF, and ODT.Excellent. Offers total flexibility for editing offline.
Plain-English GuidanceIncludes simple explanations and examples with the template.Good. Very helpful for anyone without a legal background.
Access ModelBasic templates are free to download; a subscription is needed for some tools.Good. Free access to a core LOI is a major plus.
Related DocumentsLinks to other relevant legal forms like purchase agreements.Fair. Provides useful context but lacks an integrated workflow.

Best For: Individuals and small businesses who need a quick, easy-to-understand LOI template for a straightforward deal without any recurring costs.

Website: eForms Business Purchase Letter of Intent

5. LegalTemplates.net

LegalTemplates.net offers a guided, interview-style process to create a letter of intent template for business. It’s built for users who need a functional document quickly and don't have deep legal knowledge. The platform asks simple questions about your deal, such as the buyer and seller details, the proposed purchase price, and any conditions for closing. This method simplifies the drafting process and ensures all the key elements are included in the final letter.

LegalTemplates.net

The main benefit is how fast and accessible it is. You can generate a preliminary document for free to see how it works, and the final LOI can be exported to both Word and PDF for easy editing and sharing. This makes it a great tool for starting negotiations. For example, you could generate a draft in 10 minutes, send it to the other party, and get the conversation moving. Be aware that while the first use may be free, frequent use or more advanced templates might require a subscription.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Interview-Style FormA guided questionnaire creates the LOI based on your answers.Excellent. Very beginner-friendly and reduces the chance of making mistakes.
File ExportFinished documents can be downloaded in both Word and PDF.Excellent. Gives you the flexibility to edit offline or sign digitally.
Access ModelFree to start, but full access may require a membership.Fair. Good for a one-time use but less ideal for frequent needs.
Template VarietyOffers a wide range of LOIs for different business situations.Good. Useful if you need more than just a business purchase template.

Best For: Entrepreneurs who need a fast, simple, and editable letter of intent for straightforward business purchase negotiations.

Website: LegalTemplates.net Business Purchase Letter of Intent

6. US Legal Forms

US Legal Forms offers a massive library of state-specific legal documents, including a detailed letter of intent template for business acquisitions. Its main strength is its focus on US law, providing forms that are tailored to the legal requirements of different states. This is especially useful for transactions like asset purchases, where state laws can vary. Unlike subscription services, you can buy and instantly download a single document in a format like Word, allowing for immediate customization without any long-term commitment.

US Legal Forms

The platform is ideal if you think you'll need other related documents for the deal, such as a bill of sale or a non-disclosure agreement, as they are all organized and easy to find. While the pay-per-document model is simple, the costs can add up if you need several forms. The website is functional but less modern than guided platforms, prioritizing its huge catalog over a sleek user experience. It's a practical choice if you know exactly what you need.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
State-Specific FormsOffers documents tailored to individual US state laws.Excellent. Essential for ensuring your deal is compliant with local regulations.
Access ModelPay for each document and download it instantly in Word/RTF.Good. Flexible and fast, but can get expensive for complex deals.
Document LibraryA huge catalog of related business and legal forms.Good. A one-stop shop if you need more than just an LOI.
Format QualityQuality can vary slightly between forms.Fair. Generally reliable, but you might need to do some minor formatting.

Best For: Individuals and businesses in the US who need a state-compliant LOI and other legal documents for a specific transaction.

Website: US Legal Forms Letter of Intent to Purchase a Business

7. LegalNature

LegalNature offers a polished, step-by-step wizard for creating a professional letter of intent template for business. It's great for users who appreciate a clean design and integrated document management. Instead of giving you a static file, the platform guides you through a series of questions about your deal, covering party details, transaction type, and key conditions. This interactive process helps ensure all the important components are included in your final document, which you can then manage from your dashboard.

LegalNature

The platform's strength is its user-friendly experience and document storage. You can easily edit, download, and store your LOI alongside other business forms in their system. For example, you can create an LOI, store it, and then create a follow-up Non-Disclosure Agreement using the same information. However, this convenience is part of a subscription model, so you need an active plan to create and access your documents. This makes it less ideal for a one-off need but very valuable for businesses that regularly require legal templates.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Step-by-Step WizardAn interactive Q&A builds the LOI based on your answers.Excellent. Simplifies the creation process and reduces mistakes.
Document DashboardUsers can edit, print, and store all documents in a central cloud dashboard.Good. Very convenient for making revisions and managing documents.
Access ModelRequires an account and an active subscription to create documents.Fair. The subscription is a barrier if you only need one document.
Broad Forms LibraryAccess to a wide range of other business and legal templates.Good. Adds value for users with ongoing legal document needs.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and small business managers who need regular access to a library of legal documents and prefer a clean, guided creation process with built-in storage.

Website: LegalNature Letter of Intent

8. Jotform

Jotform turns standard letter of intent templates for business into an interactive experience, which is ideal for managing online signatures. Instead of a static document, it provides an LOI template within its visual PDF and e-sign builder. This allows you to customize the document extensively with a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to add your company's branding and tailor it to your specific workflow.

Jotform

The platform's biggest strength is automating the signature process. You can set a custom signing order (e.g., Buyer signs first, then Seller), send automatic reminders, and track the document’s status in real-time. This is especially useful for teams already using Jotform for other business tasks, as it integrates smoothly. The platform helps streamline document management, a key step once you've validated your business idea. Read about how Jotform helps with finding product-market fit and scaling operations.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Visual PDF BuilderDrag-and-drop editor for customizing the layout and content.Excellent. Offers great flexibility for branding and design.
E-Sign WorkflowsSet a custom signing order and automate the signature collection process.Excellent. A powerful feature for managing agreements with multiple parties.
Access ModelFree tier is available but with limits on signed documents per month.Fair. The free version is good for low volume, but serious use requires a paid plan.
IntegrationConnects with other Jotform features and third-party apps.Good. Adds value for businesses already using the Jotform ecosystem.

Best For: Teams that need to manage the signature process digitally and want a highly customizable, brand-aligned LOI that fits into their existing workflows.

Website: Jotform Business Purchase Letter of Intent

9. Template.net

Template.net has a huge library of letter of intent templates for business, making it a great resource if you want variety and format options. The platform offers many LOI variations for different situations, including business purchases, acquisitions, and asset sales. Its main strength is the wide range of download choices—you can find templates editable in Word, Google Docs, and Apple Pages, available in both US Letter and A4 sizes. This makes it easy to find a document that fits your workflow.

Template.net

The instant download model is very convenient for users who need a template quickly without creating an account. For example, you can find a professionally designed LOI, download it for Google Docs, and start collaborating with your team in seconds. However, the quality and style can vary a lot between templates, so you may need to browse to find the perfect one. While many are free, some premium designs require a Pro subscription.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Format VarietyTemplates are available for Word, Google Docs, and Pages.Excellent. Caters to almost any user's software preference.
Template SelectionA large library with multiple designs and layouts.Good. Lots of choices, but the quality can be inconsistent.
Access ModelOffers both free instant downloads and premium Pro templates.Fair. The mix of free and paid can be confusing, but there are plenty of free options.
CustomizationProvides templates in both A4 and US Letter sizes.Good. A small but important detail for international business.

Best For: Individuals and small businesses who want a visually appealing and easily editable LOI in a specific file format and are willing to sort through options.

Website: Template.net Business Purchase Letter of Intent

10. Loio

Loio specializes in high-quality letter of intent templates for business acquisitions, making it a perfect resource for M&A (mergers and acquisitions) deals. The platform offers a clean, lawyer-reviewed template with well-structured sections and clear drafting notes. Instead of offering dozens of confusing options, Loio focuses on delivering one concise, professional document designed specifically for buying a business. This simplifies the process for both buyers and sellers.

Loio

The main advantage here is simplicity and quality. The template is presented with helpful annotations and shows when it was last updated, providing transparency. For example, a note might explain why the "Governing Law" clause is important. This is especially useful for complex deals like acquiring a SaaS company, where getting the core terms right is critical. While the library isn't as large as other platforms, its focused approach is a huge asset for its target audience.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
M&A FocusTemplates are specifically designed for business purchase deals.Excellent. Ideal for its niche, as it removes irrelevant clauses.
Drafting GuidanceProvides structured sections with brief, helpful notes.Good. Helps you understand the purpose behind each clause.
Legal QualityContent is lawyer-reviewed and clearly dated for relevance.Good. Offers more confidence than a generic, undated template.
Access ModelThe template is viewable on-site, but full access may require an account.Fair. The core sample is accessible, which is great for a quick reference.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and investors focused on M&A who need a clear, professional, and straight-to-the-point LOI template for a business purchase.

Website: Loio Business Purchase Letter of Intent

11. Nolo (Learn)

Before you download a generic letter of intent template for business, it's crucial to understand the legal ideas behind it. Nolo stands out by being an educational resource first and foremost. Instead of a direct template generator, it provides articles written by attorneys that explain the key parts of an LOI. You can learn about the difference between binding and non-binding clauses, why an exclusivity period matters, and what information you need to disclose.

Nolo (Learn)

The platform is perfect for founders who want to know the "why" behind each clause, not just fill in the blanks. For instance, an article might explain that making the purchase price "non-binding" gives you flexibility if you discover issues during due diligence. By reading Nolo's expert content, you can spot potential red flags and negotiate terms more effectively. While Nolo does sell legal forms separately, its main value here is the foundational knowledge it offers, making it a great place to start.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Educational ContentAttorney-written articles and checklists on LOI basics.Excellent. Explains complex legal topics in plain English.
Legal ContextStrong focus on US legal standards and practical examples.Good. Very helpful for understanding compliance and common practices.
Access ModelAll educational articles are free to read.Excellent. Provides high-value legal information at no cost.
TemplatesForms and templates are available but are separate paid products.Fair. The focus is on learning, not just providing a template.

Best For: Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to understand the legal framework of an LOI before they start drafting one.

Website: Nolo How to Draft a Letter of Intent

12. Etsy (Marketplace)

For entrepreneurs who need an affordable and visually appealing letter of intent template for business, Etsy is a surprisingly great resource. As a marketplace for independent creators, it has hundreds of editable LOI templates sold as instant digital downloads. These files are typically available in common formats like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, making them easy to access and customize right after purchase. The biggest advantages are the low cost and wide variety of designs.

While these templates are not drafted by lawyers, they provide a solid starting point that can be adapted for simple deals. You can browse templates for different uses, like partnerships or small business purchases, and use buyer reviews to judge the quality. For example, you might find a clean, modern-looking template for just $5. It's a practical option for those who care about formatting and speed, with the understanding that the final document should always be reviewed by a legal professional.

Key Features & Assessment

FeatureDetailsAssessment
Variety & CostHuge selection of designs from multiple sellers, often priced from $2–$10.Excellent. Unbeatable for budget-conscious users who need a quick start.
Legal QualityVaries by seller; generally not attorney-drafted and lacks legal guarantees.Poor. Provides a framework but is not a substitute for legal advice.
Access ModelInstant digital download after a one-time, low-cost purchase.Excellent. Simple, immediate, and requires no subscription.
Social ProofBuyer reviews and seller ratings help you find higher-quality options.Good. A helpful way to filter for more reliable templates.

Best For: Freelancers or startups needing a visually polished and affordable LOI framework for very straightforward, low-risk deals.

Website: Etsy Marketplace for Letter of Intent

Top 12 Business Letter of Intent Template Providers — Comparison

ProviderCore featuresUX / QualityPrice & ValueTarget audienceUnique selling point
LegalZoomAttorney-drafted LOIs, guided questionnaire, eSign, PDF★★★★ trusted, lawyer-authored💰 $$ (premium, account req.)👥 US founders wanting lawyer-authored templates🏆 Trusted brand + attorney-authored ✨ integrated docs
Rocket LawyerStep-by-step builder, RocketSign, attorney Q&A, checklists★★★★ fast, compliance-focused💰 Subscription after 7‑day trial👥 Founders needing state-compliance & support✨ Attorney access + state-compliant wizard
PandaDocWeb editor, variables/merge fields, eSign, analytics★★★★★ modern UI, collaboration💰 Free template; best with paid plan👥 Teams (sales/ops) needing workflows🏆 Collaboration + document analytics ✨ templates + eSign
eFormsPDF/Word/ODT downloads, plain-English guidance, examples★★★ simple, no-frills💰 $ low-cost downloads (some gated)👥 Solo founders / one-off users✨ Quick multi-format downloads
LegalTemplates.netInterview-style generator, Word/PDF export★★★★ beginner-friendly💰 Free to start; may prompt membership👥 Beginners wanting guided creation✨ Fast interview wizard for LOIs
US Legal FormsState-ready, multi-state coverage, instant Word/RTF★★★ compliance-oriented💰 Per-form pricing (can add up)👥 Users needing state-specific legal forms🏆 Largest US state-specific catalog ✨ immediate delivery
LegalNatureStep-by-step wizard, dashboard, cloud storage★★★★ clean interface, easy revisions💰 Subscription model👥 SMBs wanting document management✨ Document dashboard + cloud storage
JotformVisual PDF builder, drag‑drop, signing workflows & branding★★★★ great for signing workflows💰 Free tier limits; paid for advanced e-sign👥 Teams collecting signatures & branded docs✨ Custom signing order & branding
Template.netMultiple LOI variants; Word/Google Docs/Pages★★★ broad style/format choices💰 Mixed: free + Pro subscription👥 Brand/format-focused users & designers✨ Wide style selection & editable formats
LoioM&A-focused LOIs, structured sections, lawyer-reviewed copy★★★★ concise, M&A-oriented💰 Low–mid (some gated content)👥 M&A buyers / acquirers✨ M&A-tailored LOI samples with drafting guidance
Nolo (Learn)Attorney-written articles, checklists, clause guidance★★★★ excellent educational resources💰 Mostly free guidance; forms separate👥 DIY founders learning LOI fundamentals🏆 Trusted legal publisher for plain-English guidance
Etsy (Marketplace)Instant digital LOI downloads (Word/Google/PDF), many styles★★★ variable quality; marketplace ratings💰 $ (very low cost per template)👥 Budget-conscious founders & designers✨ Extremely low cost + wide style variety

Final Thoughts

Navigating business negotiations can be complex, but you don't have to start from scratch. The right letter of intent templates for business provide a solid foundation, turning a difficult legal task into a manageable step. From the lawyer-approved libraries of LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer to the dynamic, e-signature-ready documents from PandaDoc and Jotform, there is a solution for nearly every business deal.

We've explored templates for everything from a simple partnership to a complex business acquisition. Each tool offers a unique mix of affordability, customization, and legal quality. Your final choice depends not just on price but on the specific needs of your deal.

Key Takeaways and Your Next Steps

Before you download the first template you see, remember the main message of this guide: a template is a starting point, not a final contract. Your goal is to create a document that clearly states your intentions without accidentally creating a legally binding agreement where you don't want one.

To make the best choice, consider these final points:

  • Assess the Stakes: For a simple partnership discussion, a straightforward template from a site like eForms might be enough. For a high-value business acquisition, investing in a platform like LegalZoom or having a lawyer review a template from Rocket Lawyer is a crucial part of your due diligence.
  • Prioritize Clarity: The purpose of an LOI is to get everyone on the same page. Avoid dense legal jargon. The best letter of intent templates for business are easy for everyone to understand, which reduces the risk of disagreements later.
  • Always Seek Legal Counsel: This is the golden rule. No template, no matter how good, can replace the advice of a qualified attorney who understands your specific situation. Use these tools to prepare for your legal consultation—it will save you time and money.

Choosing the Right Path Forward

A well-crafted Letter of Intent is a powerful tool. It shows you're serious, helps organize the negotiation, and identifies potential deal-breakers early on. By using the resources we've outlined, you're already ahead of the game. You now have the framework to state your goals, protect your interests, and move your business forward with confidence and clarity.

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