A loan agreement is a document in which a lender – usually a bank or other financial institution – sets out the terms and conditions under which it is prepared to make a loan available to a borrower. Although a lender will often insist upon its “standard terms”, there are often opportunities to enter into negotiations in order to obtain a more favourable deal. In this article, negotiating term loans with banks and financial institutions, we take a look at the process involved.
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For a free initial discussion on how we can help you with the legal aspects of negotiating a loan agreement, get in touch with us today. We will review your situation and discuss the options open to you in a clear and approachable manner. Early expert legal assistance can help with negotiations and also help avoid the stress of dealing with these issues on your own. Simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.
What are the legal implications?
It should be remembered that entering into a loan agreement can take place in companies of any size and in any industry. The process can be complex, potentially stressful and can be considered to be incredibly important. It can have an impact on you and your business, both in the short and long term – it is therefore imperative that you have the best legal experts at your side, not only to ensure everything progresses as it should but also to make sure both you and your business benefits from the best possible terms of any loan agreement.
What is the process involved?
Before entering into the negotiation process, it is important to consider what consents will be required. For example, the approval of shareholders may be required for the taking out of a loan and granting of some form of security. If other security has previously been granted this may contain negative consents which prohibit further security from being granted without prior consent. Further, it is imperative that all the directors agree with any loan being taken.
Once you have decided upon who you will be borrowing money from, the type of facility and obtained any necessary consents, the main terms of the agreement should be set out in a document called a Facility Letter. This document will set out, amongst other things, key terms such as the amount of the loan, interest rate, repayment date and early repayment fees.
Before the Facility Letter is signed, it is vital that you have legal representation to ensure nothing untoward or unusual is included in the agreement. Once a provision is included in a signed term sheet, it will be harder to negotiate away when it comes to negotiations on the final binding documents. Most of the term sheet will not be legally binding (allowing the bank to withdraw their original funding offer). However, some terms, such as costs and confidentiality, will be in force from the signature.
Although loan arrangements can be expedited, the process will often take longer than the borrower first thinks so it is essential that you are realistic in how long the whole process can take. Further, banks will inevitably try and have any arrangements drawn upon their standard terms which will inevitably be in favour of the bank.
In terms of security, the bank will often try and obtain as much security for the loan as possible. They often insist upon personal guarantees from directors and/or shareholders. This can be above and beyond a charge against unencumbered assets. Directors should try and limit security against them personally, as otherwise, this negates the point of operating the business through a limited company in the first place. However, this is often easier said than done but there are ways to reduce any associated risks.
Whatever the circumstances are of the loan agreement, we ensure full compliance with corporate laws and regulations, so that you can be sure that the process is addressed on a firm financial and legal basis.
We will work with you to ensure all financial, tax and legal aspects of any proposed agreement is properly managed. We are able to assist with any aspect of this and will guide you through the technicalities in a clear and concise way. We have a team of experienced solicitors well versed in the process who are ready to assist you.
How we can help
We have a proven track-record of helping clients negotiate their loan agreements. We will guide you through all the necessary legal due diligence in a comprehensive and timely manner. We firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting.
How to Contact our Corporate Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the issues and obstacles you are facing. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of saving you money and ensuring you achieve a positive outcome.
To speak to our Corporate solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or allow a member of the team to get back to you by filling in our online enquiry form. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
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