Conducting effective due diligence within an M&A transaction extends far beyond functional checklists which categorize questions and data requests by department. Equally important is validating and verifying the planning activities which led up to the transaction. 

In this course, you learn how to effectively manage a due diligence process which will mitigate downside risks while optimizing the anticipated synergies. The course provides you with tools and techniques for framing effective due diligence activities, in addition to providing direction for developing functional checklists.

 

Learning Objectives
  • Acquire due diligence techniques and best practices which will maximize your organization’s ability to achieve the intended goals of the acquisition.
  • Explore how to best manage internal and external due diligence resources.
  • Recognize when to walk away from a transaction – determination, and managing buyer and seller expectations.
Last updated/reviewed: March 7, 2024
54 Reviews (195 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
Useful summary of M&D Due Diligence Best Practices. It was interesting to learn that some of the practices suggested were already practices we use in my business but I did not realize they had a label are are used within to M&A world.

4
Anonymous Author
Would have liked more videos in the presentation to make it more fun, i.e., show example of summitt meeting and individuals discussing possible acquisition issues, showing two people passing on a deal because of a deal killer that was uncovered,etc). Just having instructor tell about such situations got a bit dry after awhile though subject matter was good.

4
Anonymous Author
I think I would have gotten more out of it with more experience with due diligence. It was an interesting overview and provided some areas to think about when going through the due diligence process. Since I only have had a brief role in a due diligence process, this was less useful to me.

5
Member's Profile
Although just a one hour course. Mr. Helfrich provides seasoned insights into the due diligence process along with useful tools for those new to M&A due diligence. I recommend this course to as a good primer on M&A best practices.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent step by step guide on how to proceed with due diligence and having been through one due diligence this resinated on what checks and balances the buyer needs to have to ensure a smooth and successful pre-purchase period.

5
Anonymous Author
I thought this was an interesting overview of the due diligence process. As someone experienced in this area there was a lot here that was not news to me, but would certainly be helpful for someone new to the field.

5
Member's Profile
The instructor draws on his personal experience in this class. This is a heavy topic, so an hour isn't nearly enough time. But if you are looking for a high-level course, this is a great place to start.

4
Member's Profile
Important insight and takeaway conveyed with respect to the importance of having a business plan for the contemplated acquisition and utilization of the due diligence process to corroborate that plan.

5
Member's Profile
This was an excellent high level presentation that covered all the important concepts about M&A Due Diligence. The supporting materials provided are very helpful. Many thanks Mr. Helfrich.

5
Anonymous Author
This enhanced my understanding and mindfulness of functional vs business plan diligence applicable in the ultimate decision making framework. Very interesting content included. Thank you

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent overview of the due diligence process - one area that I have not had much experience in my 20+ year career (so far). The class was laid out in an easy to understand format.

5
Anonymous Author
This course provides the tools I need to get started on planning and performing due diligence. The instructor's materials and presentation were both practical and insightful.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview of and recommendations for the DD process, especially for a mid-large size company buying another. Very basic course though if you've been through DD before.

5
Member's Profile
Good course with very useful information, templates, and checklists. Audio on "Managing Resources" section did not work; it replayed the previous section.

4
Member's Profile
I really enjoyed the supplemental resource section and the overview of the due diligence process. I wish there was a section on how to identify risks.

4
Member's Profile
Nice class on due diligence. It is at the right level. Intermediate for a CPA but not intermediate for someone who is always doing M&A activity.

5
Member's Profile
Good webinar to gain an understanding on the best practices in M&A due diligence processes. Well structured material and easy to follow.

5
Member's Profile
Very productive course. It gives a complete and useful information and it provides interesting tips and tasks related this subject

4
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed the class, it was very insighful and the presenter was clear and precise. I also liked the material being shared.

5
Member's Profile
This course was well written and presented. It covers several important topics related to acquisitions and due diligence.

5
Member's Profile
Clear, simple, effective. It gives a preliminary impression of the process setup and critical steps for the Due Diligence.

5
Member's Profile
For anyone needing a good refresher before jumping into greater depth (the associated documents are very useful).

5
Member's Profile
I enjoyed this format for a change of pace. Good supporting documentation available for further reference/study.

4
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed this course and the resources provided. The checklist template will be helpful in a daily practice.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of the critical areas. Supporting documents helped to fill some holes in our existing process.

5
Anonymous Author
Provides good insight and overview to M&A transactions. Instructor was knowledgeable in the subject area.

4
Anonymous Author
Course covered many areas of the due diligence process and provided some valuable handouts as a take away

4
Member's Profile
good overview. typical due diligence is generally more flexible given the variety of issues encountered.

5
Anonymous Author
A good detailed look into due diligence. Very informative. More real world examples would be helpful.

4
Anonymous Author
Nice top level overview. 1 hours i snot enough time to cover all topics, but overall nice summary.

5
Anonymous Author
Seasoned instructor that provides a nice balance of depth and breadth given the time constraints.

4
Anonymous Author
I learned a lot about due diligence and the vocabulary used. I was surprised at all the detail.

4
Member's Profile
The course itself was very good. Unfortunately, we were not able to access two of the modules.

4
Anonymous Author
Course was high level but covered the full process and the keys to a successful review

5
Member's Profile
Terrific presenter and provided a clear high level look at how to plan the DD process

4
Anonymous Author
Good content. I wish the videos were a little longer--we're broken into fewer chunks

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview, would love a follow-up course that dives even deeper on deal killers.

4
Anonymous Author
This course is a fine overview and the attached checklists are very comprehensive.

5
Member's Profile
Well presented course with awesome and relevant supporting program materials.

4
Member's Profile
Great overview to understand components, inputs, and outputs of DD process

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course with practical insights. Very well prepared and presented.

5
Anonymous Author
Helpful content and delivery. Real-world examples are always appreciated.

5
Member's Profile
Great course and excellent resources and checklists provided. Thanks!

5
Member's Profile
the course is very useful in assisting in performance of due deligence

5
Member's Profile
A great overview course. Provides lots of useful tips and resources.

5
Anonymous Author
This class provide a lot of detailed information and resources.

4
Anonymous Author
Good background for newer M&A professionals. Great templates.

4
Anonymous Author
Appreciate the samples in addition to the module slides.

2
Member's Profile
Very basic, didn't offer many insights outside basics

5
Anonymous Author
Very good high level summary - with practical input.

5
Anonymous Author
Great information that was presented clearly!

4
Anonymous Author
None at this time.

4
Member's Profile
Good course

5
Member's Profile
very clear.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

Prerequisite: Exposure to M&A

 

Advanced Preparation: None

 

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Due Diligence Best Practices
  Scope of Due Diligence4:46
  Preliminary Due Diligence5:24
  Functional vs Business Diligence4:21
  Due Diligence Checklists2:37
Resources, Assessment, Opportunity, and Risk
  Managing Resources8:08
  Key Assessment Areas6:00
  Due Diligence Summit5:47
  Opportunities and Risks5:02
When to Move on
  Walk Away7:50
Summary and Conclusion
  Conclusion3:54
Continuous Play
  M&A Due Diligence Best Practices: Beyond Functional Checklists1:00:32
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: M&A Due Diligence Best PracticesPDF
  Due Diligence Glossary/IndexPDF
  Due Diligence Master ChecklistPDF
  Comprehensive M&A Due Diligence Checklist for BuyersPDF
  Key Assessment Areaxlsx
  Due Diligence R-O-Mxlsx
REVIEW & TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam