M&A Foundations · glossary
A document executed with extra formality under English law — an individual's signature witnessed, or particular signing arrangements for companies. A deed is binding without anything being given in return and carries a twelve-year limitation period instead of six; some transaction documents (such as powers of attorney) must be deeds. Chapter 10
Explained in Chapter 10, Anatomy of an SPA, of M&A Foundations.
English law knows two kinds of written contract. A simple contract needs consideration — something of value flowing each way — and carries a six-year limitation period for claims. A deed is a more formal instrument: it must say on its face that it is a deed, be validly executed as one, and be delivered. In exchange for the formality, it needs no consideration and carries a twelve-year limitation period. M&A practice uses deeds in two situations: where a document lacks…Read Chapter 10, Anatomy of an SPA →
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Every chapter of M&A Foundations is free to read, including the full training share purchase agreement. It is part of one complete fictional deal, with every document attached and a test after every chapter. Open M&A Foundations → · All terms A–Z →