A Minnesota Contractor Agreement to Conduct Due Diligence is a legally binding contract between two parties that outlines the terms and conditions for hiring a contractor to perform due diligence activities in Minnesota. Due diligence refers to the process of conducting a comprehensive investigation or examination to assess the value, risks, and legal compliance of a business or project before entering into a transaction. This agreement typically includes the following key elements: 1. Parties Involved: The agreement identifies the parties involved, namely the contracting company or individual (the "Hiring Company") and the contractor (the "Contractor"). 2. Scope of Work: The agreement outlines the specific due diligence tasks and activities that the Contractor will undertake. These may include document review, financial analysis, site inspections, legal compliance assessments, and any other relevant inquiries necessary to assess the viability of the business or project. 3. Duration and Timeline: The agreement specifies the start and end dates of the contract and sets timelines or milestones for the completion of various due diligence tasks. This ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the project's expected duration. 4. Payment Terms: The agreement defines the compensation structure for the Contractor's services. It outlines the agreed-upon payment amount, whether it is a fixed fee, hourly rate, or a combination of both. It may also detail any additional expenses that will be reimbursed by the Hiring Company, such as travel or research costs. 5. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Due diligence involves handling sensitive and confidential information about the Hiring Company. This section ensures that the Contractor maintains strict confidentiality and refrains from disclosing any obtained information to third parties. Non-disclosure agreements are often included as a separate exhibit, further safeguarding the Hiring Company's interests. 6. Ownership of Work Product: It is essential to establish who owns the rights to any work product generated during the due diligence process. This section clarifies that the Hiring Company shall retain ownership of all intellectual property rights or documentation developed by the Contractor. 7. Liability and Indemnification: This clause outlines the contractual provisions regarding the allocation of liability, indemnification, and limitation of liability. It details the responsibilities of each party concerning potential damages, loss, or legal claims that may arise during the performance of the contract. Types of Minnesota Contractor Agreement to Conduct Due Diligence: 1. Specific Project Due Diligence Agreement: This agreement focuses on conducting due diligence for a particular project, such as a real estate acquisition, merger, or investment opportunity. 2. General Due Diligence Services Agreement: This type of agreement allows for more generalized due diligence services, where the Contractor offers a broader range of due diligence activities across various industries or sectors. 3. Retainer or Ongoing Due Diligence Agreement: In some cases, the Hiring Company may engage the Contractor on a retainer or ongoing basis to provide continuous due diligence services for multiple projects or ongoing business needs. By utilizing a Minnesota Contractor Agreement to Conduct Due Diligence, both parties can establish clear expectations and protect their interests when engaging in such crucial assessment activities.