We are often asked to resource executives from our network as consultants for early or later stage commercial due diligence projects. The requests are likely to come from potential investors or from advisers as part of the wider service they are providing pre-completion.

Often these opportunities are outside the UK in which case we are able to marshall the extensive networks of our partner firms in Europe and further afield .

Executives are also assigned for perhaps only a few days through PILOTpartners to investigate specific issues in a prospective or existing investment or lending situation.

Investors can rely on PILOTpartners for premium level commercial due diligence support:

• Invariably the requirement is for an executive with extensive experience in a specific sector or sub-sector. PILOTpartners’s network is structured so that a search is complete within 24 hours under normal circumstances…miracles can take a bit longer;
• Executives are available very quickly when the timing of the due diligence report is of the essence in the deal process;
• Many executives with experience of due diligence projects make themselves available, for example, as non-executives for the business upon completion.

Key areas of commercial due diligence likely to be undertaken

1. Review of target’s business plan, future assumptions
   & overall review of management
2. Sector & Market Assessments
   Current market issues & the core dynamics
   Analysis of target’s historic performance in the sector
   Global/national sector growth potential
   Opportunities & bear traps in the sector
   Advice on business plan enhancements
3. Competitors & Customers
   Analysis of strongest & weakest
   Comparative performance, modus operandi
   Review of target’s competitive position
   Review of target’s plan against likely competitor moves
   Review target’s core customer purchasing criteria
   Review quality/sustainability of key customer relationships
   Analysis of future trends in customer pricing & sales volumes