A Joint Venture Starts with the Right Questions
- By : Wong Mei Ying
- Category : Contracts, Drafting, Linkedin Post, Mergers and Acquisitions
People often think the real work begins with the first draft. But for me, it begins with asking questions to uncover what the client truly wants.
Occasionally, there are questions that make the client pause and think, “That’s a good point. I haven’t thought of that.”
I was recently asked to provide a fee quote for drafting a joint venture agreement.
Before I can quote and certainly before I can draft, I always ask a few key questions:
- Will this be an incorporated JV? If yes, what’s the shareholding and board structure?
- What’s the purpose of the JV?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of each party?
- How will the JV be funded?
- Are there any specific terms the parties already have in mind?
- Will the JVA involve negotiation?
Each question helps uncover the client’s objectives. They reveal the relationship between the parties, how they view control, rights and liabilities.
You can always find a template or a precedent. However, it takes real understanding of the law, the business, and the people to draft an agreement that truly meets the client’s objectives and protects their interests.
This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 19 October 2025.
