Due diligence is an essential stage in any investment, but it’s particularly crucial for private equity transactions. This is because PE firms usually invest in privately-held companies that aren’t required to file public reports and regulatory oversight, which makes it difficult for investors to gain visibility into a company’s operations.

A thorough due diligence program can ensure that a firm is evaluated correctly, assist in identifying opportunities for profit and reduce the risks of controversies or errors that could adversely affect valuation at exit. Insufficient diligence could also result in substantial legal and regulatory ramifications, which can damage the image of a business and hinder its ability to raise capital in the near future.

Legal due diligence is crucial when conducting due diligence in a private equity deal. It ensures that all risks and concerns are evaluated prior to. This includes examining a company’s corporate structure the ownership and governance structure, and evaluating the company’s legal and compliance framework. Additionally, it’s important to understand a company’s human capital by reviewing the org chart and roles/responsibilities of management. Finally, it’s important to verify physical assets by examining a company’s records for real estate and PP&E holdings.

Despite the fact that deal volumes are down and turnaround times have become longer, it’s important for PE firms to focus on rigorous due diligence to reduce the risk and increase their due diligence and private equity chances of success in today’s competitive environment. Download our free guide to find out how to optimize and streamline your due diligence.