Due Diligence Investigations
Due diligence investigations are a critical form of business and corporate investigation, most commonly undertaken when a merger, acquisition, investment, or strategic partnership is being contemplated. The concept was originally referred to as reasonable investigation under the
Securities Act of 1933
, and has since evolved into a comprehensive, systematic investigation of any business entity prior to a significant financial or contractual commitment.
At its core, a due diligence investigation is rooted in the principle of caveat emptor—let the buyer beware. In modern corporate practice, due diligence operationalizes this principle by subjecting a target company to a thorough and objective investigation before a transaction is finalized. We conduct professional due diligence investigations for clients in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, as well as nationwide and internationally.
There are also circumstances in which an organization conducts due diligence on itself, commonly referred to as reverse due diligence. This process is often undertaken to demonstrate a company’s operational strength, compliance posture, and overall attractiveness to potential buyers, investors, or partners. Reverse due diligence may also be used to evaluate internal vulnerabilities prior to pursuing an acquisition or expansion strategy.
Beyond Financial Audits
Due diligence investigations can vary widely in scope and depth. While most due diligence efforts include a series of audits—such as financial, operational, marketing, and information systems audits—a sound and defensible due diligence investigation must extend well beyond spreadsheets and ledgers. Financial data alone rarely tells the full story of a business’s true risk profile.
We regularly work alongside auditors, attorneys, investment professionals, and corporate leadership teams during due diligence engagements involving large and mid-sized companies. The breadth and flexibility of our investigative capabilities make us uniquely suited for complex due diligence matters. In many cases, we identify material risks, liabilities, or operational concerns that are not apparent through traditional accounting review alone—and that can significantly impact the outcome or valuation of a transaction.
The Role of the Private Investigator in Due Diligence
An auditor’s due diligence is necessarily limited to books, records, and representations. A licensed private investigator plays a critical role by examining how a company actually operates in practice. Actions, policies, relationships, and behaviors often present risks that cannot be quantified through accounting methods alone.
Depending on the client’s objectives, a due diligence investigation may examine issues such as:
Service Areas
Our licensed private investigators conduct due diligence and reverse due diligence investigations throughout:
All due diligence investigations are conducted with strict confidentiality and supported by clear, legally defensible reporting suitable for executive decision-making, regulatory review, litigation support, or transactional negotiations.
If you are contemplating a merger, acquisition, investment, or strategic partnership, a professional due diligence investigation can identify risks before they become liabilities. Contact The Global Intelligence Bureau to discuss how a due diligence investigation in New York, New Jersey, Florida, nationwide, or internationally can help protect your interests and support informed corporate decisions.
