Due diligence services are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the nature of the transaction, industry, and risk profile, different types of due diligence are conducted to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Online due diligence platforms now make these processes faster, more secure, and accessible across borders.
1. Financial Due Diligence
This involves a deep dive into the target company’s financial health. Analysts examine audited financial statements, cash flow trends, debt obligations, and profitability metrics to validate valuation and detect hidden risks.
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- Purpose: Ensure financial transparency and assess the sustainability of earnings.
- Common Tools: Ratio analysis, forensic accounting, and working capital review.
2. Legal Due Diligence
Legal due diligence reviews contracts, ownership structures, litigation history, and regulatory compliance. It helps identify potential legal exposures that could collapse a deal or lead to future liabilities.
- Purpose: Confirm legal standing and uncover hidden obligations.
- Focus Areas: IP rights, employment contracts, shareholder agreements, licenses.
3. Operational Due Diligence
This assesses the efficiency and scalability of business operations. It includes evaluating supply chains, internal controls, HR policies, and IT infrastructure.
- Purpose: Determine operational risks and integration feasibility.
- Metrics: Process bottlenecks, system redundancies, cost structures.
4. Commercial Due Diligence
Commercial due diligence evaluates market dynamics, customer base, competitive positioning, and growth potential. It’s essential for understanding the strategic fit and future viability of the target.
- Purpose: Validate business model and market opportunity.
- Tools Used: SWOT analysis, customer interviews, market sizing.
5. Technical Due Diligence
This focuses on the target’s technology stack, intellectual property, product roadmap, and cybersecurity posture. Especially relevant in tech, manufacturing, and IP-heavy sectors.
- Purpose: Assess innovation, scalability, and tech-related risks.
- Scope: Code audits, patent reviews, and IT system resilience.