Types of Due Diligence
When purchasing a brand new home or car or investing in a property or contemplating hiring a third-party provider, we conduct due diligence by analyzing options as well as comparing benefits and costs and assessing the risks. Due diligence may take many forms in business. It could include researching a company prior to investing, reviewing contract’s terms and conditions, or looking into the past of a prospective customer or vendor. Due diligence can help to avoid a number of potential issues which could result in costly delays or failure to close the deal.
There are many types of due diligence, which differ based on the deal in question and area of jurisdiction. Here are some of the most frequently used types:
Financial due diligence: This includes looking at profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and federal tax returns for income and analyzing key ratios and trends. It could also include analyzing the company’s equity and debt structure, and determining whether it is in compliance with the standards of regulation.
IP due diligence: This includes looking at patents, copyrights and trademarks to evaluate their value and how well they are protected. It can also include assessing the research and development process of the company and determining its competitive landscape.
Legal due diligence entails reviewing contracts, employee records and business practices. It may also involve the evaluation of a company’s compliance with laws and regulations, as well as anti-bribery and corruption standards. Due diligence is a lengthy procedure that requires resources and can be difficult to complete, however it is vital for any successful transaction. Utilizing project management tools such as Trello or Asana can simplify the process, while resources such as Westlaw or LexisNexis offer a comprehensive overview of case law and other legal research, which can help you conduct an exhaustive legal review.
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