Business and legal matters
Investigative Due Diligence Before a Business Deal
Financial statements tell you about a company's numbers. Investigative due diligence tells you about the people and history behind them.
Key points
- Research principals as well as the company
- Look for litigation, regulatory and reputation issues
- Verify ownership and claims
Principals
Backgrounds of owners and executives: prior companies, bankruptcies, litigation, licensing and public statements. See business partner investigations.
Company history
Litigation, liens, regulatory actions, complaints and media coverage.
Ownership
Who really owns and controls the company, including affiliated entities. See LLC ownership.
Verification
Confirm claimed customers, locations, credentials and operations.
Common questions
How long does due diligence take?
Focused reviews can fit deal timelines.
Do you replace financial due diligence?
No. Investigative work complements accounting and legal review.
Can you research overseas companies?
Often, through partner networks.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; consult an attorney about your situation. See our legal disclaimer.
Related services
Services connected to this guide.
Corporate Due Diligence
Research on companies before an acquisition, investment or contract.
Corporate & WorkplaceBusiness Partner Investigations
Checking the history and conduct of a current or prospective partner.
Corporate & WorkplaceVendor & Supplier Investigations
Verifying vendors, suppliers and contractors before money changes hands.
Keep reading
Related guides.
How to Find Out Who Owns an LLC
How to identify the people behind an LLC: state filings, registered agents, addresses, related entities and when a subpoena is needed.
Business and legal mattersHow to Investigate Suspected Employee Theft
How businesses should respond to suspected employee theft: preserve evidence, avoid accusations, involve counsel and investigate lawfully.
Business and legal mattersHow Attorneys Use Private Detectives
How law firms use private detectives: witnesses, locates, backgrounds, assets, surveillance, evidence and trial preparation, under counsel's direction.
Private detectives by city
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