A deal sheet is a structured document used to summarize and organize the key details of financial or business transactions. Deal sheets help deal managers, investors, and professionals track transactions, evaluate performance, and present information clearly to clients and stakeholders.

There are three main types of deal sheets:

• Main Deal Sheet – Outlines critical deal points such as payment terms, obligations, and contract specifics.
• Summary Deal Sheet – Highlights an individual’s or company’s contributions to past financial transactions, making it useful for showcasing experience and expertise.
• Individual Deal Sheet – Focuses on one specific transaction, offering a deep dive into key details.

Using a deal sheet template, CRM software, or pre-built examples can streamline the creation process and help organize information clearly and efficiently.

Why Is a Deal Sheet Important?

A well-structured deal sheet enhances clarity, improves communication, serves as a key reference, and supports decision-making.

1. Provides Clarity

Deal sheets break down complex transactions into simple, easy-to-understand summaries, ensuring all parties understand key terms, financial details, and responsibilities.

2. Improves Communication

For deal managers and stakeholders, deal sheets act as a communication tool, organizing and presenting essential information in a structured format.

3. Serves as a Reference

Deal sheets offer a consistent reference point to track important terms, performance metrics, and past deals.

4. Aids in Decision-Making

A well-structured deal sheet enables stakeholders to efficiently evaluate a deal’s potential advantages, risks, and outcomes before finalizing negotiations.

Types of Deal Sheets

Terms and Conditions Deal Sheet

A terms and conditions deal sheet summarizes the essential aspects of a proposed business transaction and helps all parties make informed decisions.

Key Benefits:

• Supports Decision-Making – Provides a clear breakdown of the deal’s value, risks, and obligations.
• Facilitates Negotiation – Establishes baseline terms for effective negotiations.
• Enhances Due Diligence – Ensures all necessary information is available for compliance checks.
• Defines Deal Structure – Summarizes financial and contractual obligations clearly.

Main Deal Sheet

A main deal sheet outlines the critical components of a financial or business transaction to ensure all parties agree on the terms.

Key Components of a Main Deal Sheet:

• Deal Description – An overview of the transaction, highlighting what it involves.
• Involved Parties – Identifies the individuals or entities, their roles, and responsibilities.
• Financial Terms – Outlines the payment structure, pricing, and key monetary details.
• Dates and Timelines – Lists important deadlines, key milestones, and transaction durations.
• Due Diligence – Details the verification and compliance process before the deal is finalized.
• Governing Law – Defines which laws and jurisdictions govern the transaction.
• Confidentiality – Specifies terms for protecting sensitive information.
• Key Terms & Conditions – Highlights the most important obligations defining the deal structure.

Summary Deal Sheets

A summary deal sheet provides an overview of a professional’s experience handling financial transactions.

• Key Dates – Lists closing dates and major deal milestones for context.
• Financial Data – Highlights deal value, transaction size, and capital raised.
• Role in the Deal – Clarifies the individual’s contributions to negotiations and structuring.
• Notable Contributions – Showcases strategic decisions that influenced deal success.
• Unclosed Deals – Provides insight into unsuccessful transactions and key learnings.
• Confidentiality Considerations – Excludes sensitive client details for privacy compliance.

Individual Deal Sheets

An individual deal sheet highlights one specific business transaction, detailing a professional’s role, contributions, and expertise. This type of deal sheet is commonly used for:

• Job Applications (showcasing relevant deal experience)
• Performance Reviews (demonstrating contributions to transactions)
• Client Meetings (building credibility and trust)

Key Components of an Individual Deal Sheet:

• Transaction Overview – A summary of the deal (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, financing).
• Company Overview – Information on involved businesses, industry, and market position.
• Relevant Dates – Timeline of deal initiation, closure, and milestones.
• Financial Considerations – Key financial aspects, such as valuation and capital raised.
• Specific Role – Description of the individual’s responsibilities.
• Major Contributions – Actions taken and strategic decisions made.

Example and Template for a Main Deal Sheet

Below is an example deal sheet template that provides a structured format for recording transaction details.

Deal Description

This deal involved the acquisition of ABC Sports by XYZ Corporation to expand market share.

The Parties

Buyer: XYZ Corporation – a leader in sports sponsorship management.
Seller: ABC Sports – a regional player in sponsorship management.

Financial Terms

Total Deal Value: $15 million
Payment Structure:

• $10 million cash at closing
• $5 million in XYZ Corporation stock
• Earn-out Agreement: An additional $2.5 million if revenue targets are met.

Timeline of Key Events

Letter of Intent Signing: January 10, 2025
Due Diligence Period: January 15, 2025 – March 30, 2025
Deal Closure: April 15, 2025

Due Diligence & Compliance

A comprehensive review of financials, intellectual property, and contracts to assess risks.

Governing Law and Confidentiality

Jurisdiction: Governed under Arizona law.
Confidentiality Agreement: Ensures sensitive information remains protected.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a main deal sheet and a contract? 

A main deal sheet outlines the important points to be included in a contract. A deal sheet is not binding but guides attorneys as they prepare a contract.

2. How should I organize the information in a summary or individual deal sheet?

Summary and individual deal sheets should be organized chronologically or by deal type (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, financings). Use clear headings like deal description, involved parties, financial terms, and roles. Ensure that each section is concise and highlights key contributions and outcomes. A deal sheet template can help maintain consistency.

3. Should I include deals that didn’t close on a summary deal sheet?

Yes, it is beneficial to include deals that didn’t close. They demonstrate your ability to manage complex negotiations and difficult situations. Provide a brief explanation of why the deal didn’t go through without revealing confidential details.

4. Can I include confidential information in my deal sheet?

No, you should never include confidential information, such as client names or sensitive financial data. Instead, provide a general description of the deal and its outcomes while keeping specific identities and details anonymous.

5. Do I need to describe every deal?

Condense like deals into a single entry. Don’t bore your evaluators with redundant deals.