due diligence

Due diligence

An internal audit of a target firm by an acquiring firm. Offers are often made contingent upon resolution of the due diligence process.

Due Diligence

The investigation of an asset, investment, or anything else to ensure that everything is as it seems. Due diligence helps a buyer or investor make sure that there are no unexpected problems with the asset or investment and that he/she does not overpay. Due diligence can be a complex and formalized process in the acquisition of a company. Even when buying a house, for example, due diligence involves time consuming and at times expensive endeavors, like a home inspection. However, due diligence is seen as a necessary part of doing business or buying an asset. See also: 10-K, Due diligence meeting.

due diligence

The process of investigating all facts,conditions,rules,laws,regulations,financial considerations, or any other such matters as would affect one's decision to purchase property. The various types of investigations as would comprise due diligence will vary from property to property. With the purchase of a home, it might include nothing more than a home inspection, termite report, and a review of any restrictive covenants.When purchasing raw land for development, it could include zoning issues, possible environmental contamination, surveys, soil compaction studies, analysis of cost to develop versus value when completed, and so on as far as the imagination can go.