A guarantee is an undertaking by one person (the guarantor) to perform an obligation of another person (a borrower or other debtor), given in favour of the person to whom that obligation is owed (the beneficiary). A guarantee is what is known as a “secondary” obligation – this means that the guarantor is only liable if the borrower or debtor has failed to perform the “primary” obligation, which is the obligation of the borrower or debtor which has been guaranteed. In the context of a loan agreement, a guarantee is an undertaking from the guarantor to the lender that the borrower will perform the borrower’s obligations under the loan agreement, the most relevant obligation being to repay the loan and interest. If the borrower does not pay, the guarantor will perform the obligation itself and make the payment instead of the borrower.

Why are guarantees also given as indemnities?

Guarantees are almost always drafted both as a guarantee and as an indemnity. Unlike a guarantee, an indemnity is a “primary” obligation – it is an undertaking from one person (the guarantor) to pay the beneficiary if the beneficiary suffers loss as a consequence of a specified event. In the case of an indemnity which is part of a guarantee for a loan, the specified event is the non-payment of the loan or other breach of the loan agreement. As a primary obligation of the guarantor, the indemnity is independent of the obligations of the debtor or borrower. An indemnity should, unlike a guarantee, remain in effect should the underlying loan agreement or equivalent transaction be set aside or if the borrower is somehow discharged from its obligations under the loan agreement.

What are the formalities of a guarantee?

A guarantee must be in writing and signed by the guarantor (or the guarantor’s agent). It is usual also for a guarantee to be executed as a deed, to avoid an argument that it lacks contractual consideration.

When do I use this bundle? For an investment transaction with a single investor in a private limited company What documents are included? term sheet for an investment for ordinary shares Investment term sheet: ordinary shares investment NDA NDA: investment (short) legal due diligence checklist Due diligence checklist: investment investment and shareholders agreement Investment and Shareholders Agreement: established business single investor Articles of association Articles of Association: established business single investor

Deed of Guarantee: corporate guarantor

Guarantee from a company (as opposed to an individual) for a corporate borrower’s obligations under a loan agreement. The guarantee is in the form of a standalone Deed of Guarantee between the guarantor and the lender.

for a guarantee to be given by a company for the obligations of another company under a loan agreement
for a guarantee in the form of a standalone Deed of Guarantee
where both guarantor and borrower are incorporated in England and Wales

What are the key features?

14 clauses over 6 pages
standalone deed of guarantee
guarantee undertakings given by way of both guarantee and indemnity
standard creditor protections for the continuing effect of the guarantee

What other documents are available?

For a form of guarantee to be given by an individual (as opposed to a company), see

Guarantee: individual guarantor

For a guarantee clause to be included in a loan or other agreement, see

Guarantee: contract clause.

Description

When do I use this bundle?

For an investment transaction with a single investor in a private limited company

What documents are included?

term sheet for an investment for ordinary shares Investment term sheet: ordinary shares
investment NDA NDA: investment (short)
legal due diligence checklist Due diligence checklist: investment
investment and shareholders agreement Investment and Shareholders Agreement: established business single investor
Articles of association Articles of Association: established business single investor

Explanatory Guides

As with all of our document templates, your purchase will include access to clear explanatory guidance on the document and its use.

£35.00 exc VAT

Updated by a lawyer on 05/09/2024

Updated By a lawyer on 01/05/2023

Create your document in 3 Easy Steps

“I have worked in legal and business affairs for over 25 years and need access to a wide range of corporate and commercial legal precedents. Paperrock is a refreshing source of high-quality legal templates. Superb value for money.”

Amanda | Bannister Creative

“It’s hard to find legal documents on the internet you can really trust. Knowing an expert lawyer has drafted what I need, gives my business the edge and gives me peace of mind.”

Deed of Guarantee: corporate guarantor