closing-checklist

name	closing-checklist
title	M&A Closing Checklist
description	Drafts M&A closing checklists tracking documents, approvals, consents, and action items from signing through post-closing. Use when coordinating closings for mergers, acquisitions, stock purchases, asset deals, or any corporate transaction requiring multi-party document tracking and funds flow management.
author	CaseMark
author_url	https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/closing-checklist
license	Apache-2.0
version	0.1.0
execution_mode	open
jurisdiction	us
practice	corporate
language	en

M&A Closing Checklist

Generates a transaction-specific closing checklist covering corporate authorizations, transaction documents, third-party consents, regulatory filings, funds flow, and post-closing obligations.

Prerequisites

Before drafting, collect:

1. Definitive agreement — purchase/merger agreement with all schedules
2. Transaction structure — stock purchase, asset purchase, or merger
3. Party information — legal names of buyer, seller, target, escrow agent
4. Closing logistics — date, time (with timezone), location or virtual platform
5. Material contracts — contracts with change-of-control or consent provisions

Quick Start

Format every checklist with:

• Header: transaction name, parties, closing date/time/method
• Party legend: abbreviations (BC = Buyer's Counsel, SC = Seller's Counsel, B = Buyer, S = Seller, EA = Escrow Agent; expand as needed)
• Item matrix: # | Description | Responsible | Cross-Ref (§) | Status
• Status stages: Draft → Review → Negotiation → Execution → Delivered

Checklist Sections

I. Corporate Authorization

• Good standing certificates (buyer + seller jurisdictions, dated ≤30 days pre-closing)
• Board resolutions authorizing transaction (both parties)
• Shareholder/member approval (if required by governing docs or state law)
• Certified organizational documents (articles, bylaws/operating agreement)
• Preferred shareholder, option holder, or warrant holder consents
• Secretary's certificates authenticating org docs, resolutions, and incumbency

II. Transaction Documents

All structures:

• Definitive agreement (fully executed with disclosure schedules)
• Escrow agreement (amount, duration, release conditions, claims procedures)

Asset purchases — add: