A type of prospectus that does not necessarily contain specific information about the potential issue/ offering (or a firm being acquired or the potential acquisition, per se). A base prospectus is filed by an issuer in order to comply with the applicable disclosure requirements to have its own shelf registration statement declared effective by an exchange, with more specific information to be provided after effectiveness in a prospectus supplement as soon as the details about an offering are available and made known.

The base prospectus typically provides general information such as the types of securities being offered; a short summary of the issuer’s business and industry; the way the proceeds will be used; a description of the risks associated with the offering; and so on.

A base prospectus is also known as a core prospectus.