Due Diligence

Due diligence, by definition, is the verification of all information given to a company by any prospective business associate. The reputation, integrity and ultimate success of your business increasingly depends upon developing and maintaining the confidence and trust of your clients, investors and regulators. Conducting proper due diligence is essential to minimizing fraud, managing risk and maintaining compliance with regulations such as; the USA Patriot Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Sarbanes-Oxley and others.

             Due Diligence Investigations typically include:

• An in-depth credibility assessment of the company, key executives, investors, and board of directors (if applicable)

• A check of civil, criminal, and bankruptcy records at the county and federal levels to uncover suits, liens, judgments, convictions, and bankruptcy filings

• Database searches for any information printed publicly, (e.g., books, magazines, newspapers, congressional hearings, crime commission reports), about the company or officers

• Interviews with previous employers, former business associates, friends, and family members

• Site visits and general inventory inspections
  
  Due Diligence Investigations are especially critical under the following circumstances:

• Accepting a new client

• Completing a merger or acquisition

• Forming a partnership

• Finalizing a franchise or a license agreement

• Establishing overseas relationships

• Handling or investing in an initial public offering