Don't skimp on due-diligence when buying another business

Beware false economy

clock • 4 min read

Firms aiming to grow via acquisition need to look under the bonnet when considering who they should buy, warns Stephen Gazard - the bodywork might be beautiful but it could also be hiding a multitude of sins

When they decide to acquire another company, some firms will be planning to grow their business while others will be looking to add to their existing client offering. Whatever the motivation, however, it is crucial acquiring firms really look under the bonnet of the target business so that they fully understand any risks to which they are about to expose themselves. Failing to complete adequate due-diligence on prospective targets, including on the advice process and the advisers employed, could see purchasers entangled in legacy issues that are not only costly, but also time-consuming t...

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