Acquisition Due Diligence

Since 2012 we have advised on acquisition transactions worth over £5 billion, both in the UK and internationally

You can count on us for robust acquisition due diligence reports, practical guidance and help you fully understand the regulatory risk in any transaction.

Our approach focuses on the key risks within the target’s business model, looking at governance, culture, advice history, portfolio management and testing consumer outcomes. As well as pricing and product line profit and adherence to the FCA’s Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook.

View our Acquisition Due Diligence downloadable guide

We support acquisition due diligence to businesses in a wide range of sectors including Investments, Payment services, Insurance and Credit and Mortgages.

The regulatory compliance review and audit services we provide include:

FCA correspondence history (including any disciplinary action)
FCA financial returns and compliance with Prudential Regulation, including group consolidation
Internal governance and systems and controls against FCA objectives
Suitability as evidenced in investment and pension transfer files (including conducting file checks)
Investments sold (standard and non-standard)
Professional Indemnity Insurance cover (including exclusions)
Client money and client assets (CASS) controls
Complaints history
IT governance, systems, and controls against financial and cyber crime
Senior Managers and Certification Function persons’ roles, responsibilities and contracts
AML risk framework

How our process works

Step 1

Initial scoping exercise, includes senior management controls, culture, regulatory history, and financial exposure from legacy advice or management of assets

Step 2

Initial report flagging risks or issues before appointing accountants and solicitors and incurring those costs

Step 3

Undertake a full acquisition due diligence exercise covering everything from operations, systems and controls and IT, to culture and sustainability

Step 4

A detailed risk-based report and advise on its implications. As well as a risk-assessed report presented to your board, highlighting issues and a mitigation plan

Step 5

Expert assistance with your Section 178 Change of Controller application

Step 6

Liaise with the regulator prior to submission, draft and submit your application, and handle all follow-up with the FCA

Looking for sell-side regulatory due diligence?

If you are selling, we can help you prepare for either a full or partial sale. If you are seeking investment, our expert team can prepare you for the questions you will be asked about your business and its senior management.

If needed, we can also introduce you to solicitors and accountants, who can help you prepare your business, and to potential acquirers or investment companies.

Some of our recent deals

Pollen Street Capital acquisition of Mattioli Woods