Due Diligence

At RSM Switzerland, due diligence is a core element of successful transactions. Our role is to independently assess financial, tax and operational information in order to identify risks, validate assumptions and support informed decision making throughout the transaction process.

Few aspects of a transaction are more critical than a structured, evidence based due diligence process. Whether you are acquiring, selling or restructuring a business, our specialists help you anticipate issues early, protect value and negotiate better outcomes.

Our due diligence services are fully integrated into RSM Switzerland’s corporate finance and deal advisory offering, covering both buy side and sell side situations.

Buy-side due diligence

Supporting investors and acquirers

On the buy side, due diligence aims to confirm the investment thesis, validate valuation assumptions and identify potential deal breaking issues before completion.

RSM Switzerland supports:

• Investors, banks and private equity funds
• Corporate acquirers and strategic buyers
• Entrepreneurs and management teams in the context of MBO / MBI transactions

Our buy-side due diligence approach

The scope of our work is tailored to each transaction, but typically includes:

• In depth analysis of historical financial performance, cash flows, assets and liabilities
• Review of working capital requirements and cash conversion
• Critical assessment of business plans and financial forecasts
• Review of financial systems, internal controls and reporting quality
• Analysis of the tax position and key tax risks

Our reports provide:

• A clear summary of key findings
• Identification of risks, synergies and value drivers
• Practical recommendations to support price negotiations, structuring and post deal integration

Our objective is to enable an early go / no go decision and avoid post acquisition surprises.

Sell-side due diligence

Preparing your business for a successful transaction

Sell side due diligence allows vendors to address issues before entering negotiations, improve transparency and reinforce buyer confidence.

Providing potential buyers with a robust, independent due diligence report helps:

• Anticipate questions and concerns early
• Reduce execution risk and delays
• Strengthen negotiation positioning

Key benefits of sell-side due diligence

Sell side due diligence may:

• Accelerate the transaction process and time to close
• Improve the reliability of historical and forecast financial information
• Reduce price adjustments and late stage renegotiations
• Increase competition between buyers
• Support value creation, particularly in non audited environments

Our teams also address operational, technological and human resource factors that may impact transaction outcomes.

What we deliver

Our due diligence services include:

• Financial due diligence
• Tax and transaction related analysis
• Working capital and net debt assessments
• Sale and purchase agreement (SPA) support
• Advice on completion mechanisms (locked box, completion accounts)
• Post deal support and integration considerations

Why RSM Switzerland

A pragmatic and senior led approach

Our due diligence engagements are led by experienced partners supported by dedicated transaction specialists. This ensures:

• Direct access to senior decision makers
• Clear, concise and commercially focused deliverables
• Practical solutions rather than purely technical observations

We focus on:

• Identifying critical issues quickly
• Transparent and regular communication
• High quality, decision ready reporting

Global coordination for cross border transactions

Through the RSM international network, we manage complex cross border assignments with:

• A single point of contact coordinating international teams
• Consistent scoping and methodology across jurisdictions
• Clear, comparable reporting
• Local insight combined with global standards

Planning a transaction?

Speak with our Corporate Finance & Deal Advisory specialists to discuss how our due diligence services can support your transaction.