Banking, Finance & SecuritiesLawyer referralLoans, security and guarantees

Syndicated loan facility

Acting for the borrower or a lender in a loan shared among several lenders.

Timing depends on the other parties, lenders and any regulatory review; the lawyer confirms the steps in writing before work starts. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews or drafts the loan agreement and commitment letter
  • Prepares security documents, such as general security agreements and guarantees
  • Searches and registers under the Personal Property Security Act
  • Negotiates intercreditor, subordination and postponement terms
  • Gives independent legal advice to guarantors where required

What is not included

  • Regulatory filing, registration and search fees and other disbursements
  • Tax, accounting or valuation advice, unless the lawyer agrees to provide it
  • Disputes or enforcement proceedings that arise later
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • Businesses borrowing from banks or private lenders
  • Lenders documenting a loan
  • Guarantors asked to sign a personal guarantee

Information to have ready

  1. 1The commitment letter or term sheet
  2. 2Corporate records for the borrower and any guarantor
  3. 3A list of the assets offered as security
  4. 4Existing loans or security registered against the borrower

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

Lawyers usually charge $550–$1,000/hr for this kind of work, by the hour. The lawyer quotes the actual rate and an estimate. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

What is a general security agreement?

It is an agreement giving a lender security over a business's personal property, such as equipment, inventory and receivables. It is usually registered under Ontario's Personal Property Security Act.

Do I need independent legal advice before signing a guarantee?

Lenders often require it, and it is wise in any case. The lawyer explains what you are promising and the risks before you sign.

Can a private company raise money from investors without a prospectus?

Often, yes, by relying on a prospectus exemption, but each exemption has conditions and some require a filing with the securities regulator. The lawyer confirms which ones may apply.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No financing, approval or regulatory outcome can be guaranteed
  • Investment and tax decisions remain yours, with advice from your own financial advisers
  • The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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