What is the difference between financial due diligence and audit?
An audit provides an opinion on whether financial statements present a true and fair view, with limited focus on quality of earnings or deal value drivers. Financial due diligence focuses on understanding sustainable EBITDA, normalisations, working capital, debt-like items, and risks relevant to the buyer or investor.
Who typically engages a due diligence firm?
Buyers, investors, and lenders engage due diligence firms to validate the target before signing. Sellers also commission vendor due diligence to streamline the process, present a clean deal, and reduce surprises during buyer-side DD.
What are 'EBITDA normalisations' and why do they matter?
EBITDA normalisations are adjustments to reported EBITDA to remove non-recurring, non-operating, owner-related, or one-time items so that the buyer sees a sustainable, run-rate profitability. Normalisations directly impact valuation, since most deals are priced on multiples of normalised EBITDA.
How long does a typical due diligence take?
Timelines depend on size, complexity, and quality of data. A focused DD for an SME may take 3 to 4 weeks, while a larger group with multiple entities, geographies, and product lines may require 6 to 10 weeks, often running in parallel with legal DD and SPA negotiations.
What is a red-flag report?
A red-flag report is a focused due diligence deliverable that highlights only material risks and key issues, typically in early-stage discussions. A full DD report goes further with detailed findings, schedules, and supporting analyses for each area covered in the scope.
How is data confidentiality protected during DD?
Information is exchanged through secure virtual data rooms with role-based access, watermarking, download restrictions, and audit logs. Engagement letters and NDAs governing confidentiality, data protection, and non-solicit are signed before any sensitive data is shared.
Can DD findings be used in the SPA?
Yes. Material findings often translate into specific representations and warranties, indemnities, escrow holdbacks, conditions precedent, or purchase price adjustments in the Share Purchase Agreement. A structured DD report makes it easier for legal counsel to draft these protections precisely.