deals

A deal is an agreement between two or more parties that creates legally binding obligations and mutual benefits. In everyday usage, deals most commonly refer to commercial transactions, such as the sale of goods or services under negotiated terms, but the term also encompasses strategic agreements, partnerships, and other arrangements that allocate risk and reward among participants.

Deals occur in many contexts, including business-to-business commerce, consumer markets, finance, and government or diplomatic relations. Common categories include commercial purchases, service contracts, licensing or distribution agreements, and financing arrangements; corporate activities such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, equity investments, and strategic alliances; and procurement or supplier contracts that govern price, quality, and delivery.

Typical deal-making involves proposal and negotiation, due diligence for larger transactions, term sheets, contract drafting, and formal closing. Key terms often cover price and consideration, timing and delivery, payment terms, performance milestones, warranties and indemnities, termination clauses, and confidentiality. Some deals include exclusivity, non-compete provisions, or change-of-control provisions that affect future ownership or governance.

From a legal perspective, deals are governed by contract law and require consideration to be enforceable. Regulatory and antitrust reviews can influence feasibility and structure, particularly for large corporate transactions. Economically, deals reallocate resources, affect competition, and shape market structure by determining who supplies, who buys, and under what conditions.

See also: contract, negotiation, merger and acquisition, licensing, partnership.