What is due diligence?

A "Due Diligence" is a procedure that is carried out prior to M&A transactions.Due diligence also plays a role when buying real estate or going public. As arule, the audit is commissioned by the buyer of a company or part of acompany.

Within the scope of the study, experts analyse the strengths and weaknessesof properties to be purchased. With due diligence, risks and opportunities can

be identified and evaluated. The experts prepare market analyses, look atthe balance sheets, talk to employees and management or check whetherthere are possible environmental impacts. On the basis of the analysis, thepurchase price of a property can also be estimated more realistically.

When and to what extent a due diligence is carried out is determined jointlyby the buyer and the seller. They also agree whether a fee is due if thepurchase is not made. Buyers or sellers usually commission external specialistswith due diligence: for example, lawyers, tax consultants or auditors, but alsoIT or SAP consultants.