“Can you please eyeball the agreement?”

Lawyering

“Can you please eyeball the agreement?”

This is one of my least favourite instructions.

It usually means a high-level review is expected, nothing too detailed. But I know that in order for me to truly understand an agreement, I need to spend time reading the details.

In M&A deals, the devil is in the details.

You can’t grasp how a complex agreement works without going through the actual mechanics.

Those detailed, lengthy clauses are the ones that affect liability, indemnity and how (or when) the sellers get paid.

So when someone asks me to “eyeball” a document, I know I’m in for a deep dive.

This is also why I prefer fixed-fee reviews- so I can do the work properly without being questioned on the fees, and clients have certainty.

This post was first posted on LinkedIn on 22 May 2025.

Linkedin Post
Preference Shares: A Path Through Malaysia’s Equity Restrictions

Regulatory equity restrictions don’t always mean “no entry” for investors in Malaysia. If you’re restricted from holding ordinary shares in certain sectors due to regulatory policy, preference shares may offer a practical alternative. You may want to consider preference shares if: 1.    The sector has no restrictions on preference shares. This …

Company Law
Does family-owned company require formal shareholders’ approval for issuance of shares?

“This is my family-owned company. Do we still need formal shareholders’ approval to issue shares?” Yes. Under section 75 of the Companies Act 2016, directors cannot exercise their power to allot shares without prior shareholders’ approval. This is a legal requirement even if all the shareholders are family members. Skipping …

Linkedin Post
Pay for proper legal advice when it comes to shareholders agreement

Most people I know are reluctant to pay for proper legal advice when it comes to shareholders’ agreements. Many assume shareholders’ agreements are just templates. However, in practice, especially in M&A or fundraising, these agreements must align with the Companies Act 2016 and other relevant regulatory requirements. Otherwise, what is …