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Information Memorandum Guide

What goes into a financier-ready information memorandum, with a model structure.

The document that sells the file.

An information memorandum, or IM, is the document a financier or buyer reads before deciding whether to engage. It tells the story of the business, supports it with evidence, and states what is being asked. A good IM answers most first-round questions in advance. A poor one raises new ones and loses momentum. This guide sets out a model structure, what each section must do, and how to review the finished document.

What it covers

  1. IM, teaser and data room
  2. A model structure
  3. Business and market sections
  4. Financial sections
  5. The transaction and the ask
  6. Writing and design
  7. Confidentiality and control
  8. Review checklist

About this guide

Written by the BlackLeaf team, this is the 2026 edition: 11 pages, free to read online or download as a PDF. It is general information for South African owners, boards and families, and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Speak to a qualified adviser before you act on it.

How BlackLeaf can help

BlackLeaf raises senior debt, mezzanine, equity and asset finance through a structured process and a financier-ready file.

Capital and finance solutions

Free guide

11 pages · PDF

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