It is essential to have a clear understanding of the potential business partner, namely its financial position, credit worthiness, location and ownership of assets, corporate history, business associates and legal position i.e. to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of possible partners.

PCC offers the full due diligence process, including: legal, financial, human resources, risk management, corporate governance, BEE and foreign acquisitions. In addition the aims and objectives of the investigation are established.

Deal breakers are highlighted and the use of the right advisers is considered. Most importantly the sale agreement is carefully checked to ensure that what has been agreed on is included in the contract. 

In M&A, effective due diligence through a forensic approach can uncover criminal offences, including fraud. The investigation will confirm the accuracy of the available information or uncover valid reasons to reconsider or renegotiate the transaction. This approach assists to identify risk, accounting and compliance irregularities, regulatory problems, misrepresentations and non-disclosure of material facts or omissions. The investigation will confirm the accuracy of the available information or uncover valid reasons to reconsider or renegotiate the transaction.

Threat Assessments

It is imperative that parties to a transaction are fully appraised of the political, economic, commercial, regulatory/compliance and crime situation prevailing in the country, especially if they are investors from overseas. Market and Competitive Research in addition to researching the market for opportunities, particular interest is taken in analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the competition 

Company Profiles

An overview of the company’s history, its activities, key business relationships and ventures, principal officers, and professional reputation in the business community.

Confidential Due Diligence Report

An in-depth review of the company’s behind the scenes business activities to include potential problem areas, by utilising public record searches, contact with government, industry, professional advisers and confidential sources.

Background Checks on Corporate Officers

A report on the criminal, credit, associates, sources of income, educational anomalies, previous employment history, family and lifestyle history of the executives involved. 

Publicly Available Information

A compilation of pertinent supporting information gathered from open sources over the past several years and analysed by its financial, stock market and press monitoring associates.

Off Balance Sheet Activities

Areas which are specifically investigated are those not on the balance sheet or covered by warranties, such as the health of executives, emerging competition, reliance on certain contracts which may be cancelled, possible employees who may defect after the acquisition, onerous contracts, political issues, sellers leaving the country after the acquisition, intellectual property infringements, lack of corporate governance and insider trading-fraud, to name but a few.

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