Due Diligence

The due diligence process provides a detailed review of a target business from a financial and commercial perspective, adding value by focusing on the key issues likely to affect the decision to proceed with the acquisition and those factors which affect the price. 

We have developed a tailored due diligence methodology that enables us to provide a value added service by focusing on the key issues relating to your transaction, the target business and the impact of the acquisition on your business.

Buying and selling companies, assets or even making an investment in a major project can be risky. Objective due diligence can help mitigate these risks as well as highlight opportunities to create value and make a transaction successful.

The scope of our due diligence work is tailored for each engagement to ensure that our work is focussed on the identification and quantification of key issues that may impact on the target business, its marketplace and your consolidated business post acquisition.

Our Mergers and Acquisitions services include:

  • Deal initiation
  • Buy/sell side lead advisory
  • Management buy-outs/management buy-ins
  • Corporate restructuring
  • Sourcing private equity
  • Financial re-engineering
  • Information memorandum preparation
  • Pre-IPO structuring and preparation
  • Industry rationalisation
  • Business consolidation

Our hands-on approach, with partners being genuinely involved in the delivering of M&A services, differentiates us. 

We are experienced, accessible and flexible, we say what we mean and do not sit on the fence. 
This gives credibility with both our clients and their stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Due diligence services involve a comprehensive review of a target business from financial, commercial, legal, and operational perspectives. These services help buyers, investors, and vendors assess risks, validate assumptions, and make informed decisions during mergers, acquisitions, or major investments.
 

In New Zealand, due diligence is a critical step in ensuring the success and integrity of business transactions.
 

Buying or selling a business carries inherent risks. Due Diligence Services help:

  • Identify deal breakers early
  • Evaluate the true value of a business
  • Assess financial health and forecasts
  • Review tax and legal implications
  • Support negotiation and transaction structuring

RSM’s tailored approach ensures that key issues are identified and quantified to protect your interests.


 

These services are essential for:

  • Corporate acquirers
  • Private equity investors
  • Banks and lenders
  • Vendors preparing for sale
  • Businesses investing in major projects

Whether you're buying, selling, or funding a business, due diligence helps mitigate risk and uncover opportunities.

RSM provides a full suite of due diligence services, including:

  • Financial due diligence
  • Vendor due diligence
  • Tax and commercial reviews
  • Transaction structure analysis
  • Purchase agreement advisory
  • Forecast and working capital assessment
  • Risk and integration insights

RSM's methodology is designed to add value by focusing on the most critical aspects of the deal.

Vendor due diligence is commissioned by the seller but remains an independent review. It helps present potential issues in a managed way, reducing the chance of price reductions during negotiations and increasing buyer confidence.
 

RSM’s Due Diligence Services include robust vendor reports that buyers can legally rely on.
 

Financial due diligence typically covers:

  • Historical performance analysis
  • Cash flow and working capital review
  • Asset and liability assessment
  • Forecast validation
  • Financial systems and controls evaluation
  • Tax position analysis

RSM’s reports also include summaries of key issues and their implications for the deal.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the transaction and the availability of business data. It can take as little as one month or extend longer for larger deals. 

RSM works efficiently to meet your transaction deadlines.

Due diligence can be tailored to the transaction and may include:

  • Financial due diligence
  • Legal due diligence
  • Commercial due diligence
  • IT and cyber due diligence
  • Tax due diligence
  • Environmental due diligence

RSM’s due diligence services are customised to meet the specific needs of each engagement.

By identifying risks and validating assumptions, due diligence can influence the final consideration paid. It provides leverage for negotiation and ensures that the price reflects the true value of the business.

RSM helps clients evaluate pricing through detailed financial reviews and transaction structure analysis.

Contact RSM New Zealand for an initial consultation. Our experienced team will tailor the scope of due diligence to your transaction and provide actionable insights to support your decision-making.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? 

Submit your questions, comments, or proposal requests.