When an investor wants to acquire a business, he orders due diligence (due diligence). This is a comprehensive check that should reveal the ins and outs of a potential asset. If the previous owners decided to mask the problems, the inspectors will find them and reflect them in the report.
Due diligence is ordered not only by investors but also by owners of enterprises. For example, to assess the general condition of the business, find weaknesses in production, etc.
When companies resort to due diligence
Due diligence is a full check, not a primary check. No one will let it happen just like that. Therefore, it is important to understand the place of verification in acquiring a company.
- Before negotiations, the investor conducts the primary audit on his own. This may be the study of the available information – customer reviews, tax base, news – or communication with people close to the company.
- Negotiation. If a potential asset is of interest, negotiations begin. Various scenarios are possible here. As a rule, the investor is provided with reports, plans, etc.
- The main assessment work is carried out through due diligence. The purchase price of an asset is formed during preliminary negotiations.
- Consolidation of risks. As a rule, the parties enter into an agreement before due diligence. The target company guarantees that it will provide all the necessary information, and the investor guarantees the payment of compensation if it refuses the deal.
- Due diligence. We are conducting a full audit. After that, the acquisition price may be slightly adjusted.
- Closing or canceling a deal. If the audit reveals significant problems, the investor has the right to refuse the purchase. It is better to pay the compensation than to take on a troubled asset.
Due diligence confirms the practicality of acquiring an asset carried out after initial negotiations.
Who can conduct due diligence
With proper qualifications, the verification can be carried out by representatives of the investor or a third-party due diligence company.
Consulting companies are turned to when you have to evaluate a business in an unfamiliar niche or when there are no resources to conduct due diligence on your own.
Consulting companies, as a rule, name the cost of services after communicating with the client and analyzing his needs. However, each company specializes in its niche. Therefore, you will have to look for the right one.
Application of WDR for due diligence
A virtual data room is the most convenient solution for conducting due diligence by a third-party company. Here the company owner can store all the files that are needed by the company performing the check.
In turn, the consulting enterprise can access any documents in the virtual data room.
Each employee will have their level of access to each document. It is noteworthy that you can use the VDR to conduct the transaction further after due diligence. The room will only be closed when both parties complete the signing of the documents.