Due Diligence
Definitive Steps to Successful Business Combinations

By Denzil Rankine, et al.
Financial Times / Pearson Education
November 2003
ISBN: 0-273-66101-9
247 Pages, 6 ¼" x 9 ¼"
$125.00 Paper Original

---

Acquisitions are one of the most powerful tools in the business armory, but they can also be positively dangerous. Conducting thorough due diligence is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk involved in acquisition and investment, and to improve the chances of success. Due diligence is a term traditionally used for the review process applied to an acquisition. In recent times, the practice has evolved substantially and the level of detail and analysis now possible allows companies to take better development decisions.

Well conducted due diligence can help a transaction to proceed smoothly, and can even enable companies to find ways of adding value to acquisitions and other partnerships. Any transaction is highly risky - at least 50% of acquisitions fail and numerous other partnerships end in disappointment and acrimony. Due diligence is the essential step to taking the risk out of deals and business partnerships. This book is a concise, comprehensive guide to the process, containing practical advice, accessible analysis, and case studies. At least half of acquisitions fail and many others end in acrimony. "Due diligence" is a term traditionally used for the review process applied to an acquisition. This text shows that when conducted, the process can even enable companies to find ways of adding value to acquisitions or mergers.

Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction Why do due diligence How to do due diligence When to do due diligence (with chronology) How it all joins up – project management Cross border analysis Role of the corporate – what to do in-house, when to use advisors Not just for acquisition It’s a tool; it’s a way of thinking
Chapter 2. Commercial Due Diligence Technical focus ~ 5 case studies Specific cross-border complications HR section Checklist
Chapter 3. Financial Due Diligence Technical focus ~ 5 case studies Specific cross-border complications To include tax and pension sections checklist
Chapter 4. Legal Due Diligence Technical focus ~ 5 case studies Specific cross-border complications To include environment and pension sections Checklist
Chapter 5. The Seller’s View How to cope with due diligence as a seller Disclose and help, or not Further analysis, and conclusion


Return to the Businesss Titles Home Page