COURSE OVERVIEW
How effectively is your organization conducting due diligence? The quality of the process is just as important as the quantity of information gathered. True due diligence is not a checklist—it’s a tailored, strategic process integrated into the broader investment framework.
This course emphasizes a structured yet flexible approach that ensures meaningful interaction between all stakeholders. Participants will learn how to assess the capability and willingness of potential partners or investees to meet information requirements, manage risk, and build trust in investment relationships.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance and purpose of due diligence in investment decision-making.
- Identify the essential steps and components of the due diligence process.
- Recognize and address common challenges in conducting due diligence.
- Learn how to use external specialists to strengthen analysis and validate incomplete data.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is ideal for professionals involved in evaluating potential investments, partnerships, or acquisitions, including:
- Investment managers and analysts
- Financial officers and corporate strategists
- Business development executives
- Legal and compliance professionals
- Entrepreneurs and founders seeking investors
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This program is highly interactive, combining practical exercises, group discussions, and individual activities to reinforce learning. Participants will engage in scenario-based simulations that mirror real-world challenges in investment appraisal.
Each day concludes with a personal action planning session to help participants apply new insights to their professional roles. Pre- and post-course assessments will measure growth in knowledge, skills, and confidence.
COURSE CONTENTS
Module 1 – Understanding Due Diligence
Key Topics:
- Conducting detailed investigations after preliminary negotiations.
- Exploring the four key types of due diligence: commercial, legal, financial, and tax.
- Refining terms and conditions in final agreements based on due diligence findings.
- The principle of caveat emptor (“let the buyer beware”) and its implications.
Module 2 – Due Diligence Within the Transaction Process
Key Topics:
- The stages of an investment transaction: from initial contact to contract negotiation.
- Integrating due diligence effectively into each phase.
- Ensuring alignment between preliminary and final terms.
- Managing communication between investors, advisors, and investees.
Module 3 – How Due Diligence Works in Practice
Key Topics:
- Preparing for the due diligence process.
- Setting up the due diligence “kick-off” meeting.
- Managing documentation, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
- Evaluating findings and integrating results into decision-making.
Module 4 – Common Investor Due Diligence Challenges
Key Topics:
- Identifying and overcoming key challenges in investment appraisal.
- Encouraging cooperation and transparency from investees.
- Managing limited access to or disclosure of critical information.
- Recognizing conflicts of interest and differing motivations among investors.
Module 5 – Reverse Due Diligence: Evaluating the Investor
Key Topics:
- Conducting background checks on potential investors using public data.
- Gathering references to verify the investor’s reputation in the industry.
- Identifying “red flags” before finalizing partnerships.
- Conducting direct Q&A sessions to assess the investor’s values, transparency, and alignment with the investee’s goals.
