Effective due diligence is critical to successful deal execution. This practical, hands-on course equips participants with the tools and insights needed to navigate each stage of the due diligence process with confidence. Led by experienced practitioners, delegates will explore key investigation areas, commercial, financial, legal and operational, and learn how to streamline their approach to save time and reduce costs. Ideal for professionals looking to sharpen their judgement and improve transaction outcomes.
Audience
GP Firms: This course is designed for professionals focused on early stage, mid-market, growth equity and large buyout investments.
Individuals: Ideal for professionals who would like to gain a practical understanding of the due diligence process.
Key topics include
- Introduction to due diligence
- Financial due diligence
- Objectives
- Scoping
- Key areas of focus
- Current trading (out-turn) and LTMs/Trends
- Vendor due diligence
- Sell side and buy side
- VDD exec summary
- Operational due diligence
- Including IT and tech
- Commercial due diligence
- Objectives
- Scoping
- Key areas of focus
- Sector specialism
- Customers/competitors
- Analysis on achievability of forecasts
- Legal due diligence
- What is legal due diligence trying to achieve?
- What is the lawyers role?
- How does it get used?
- Management due diligence
- What is management due diligence?
- What are the different forms?
- How does it get used?
- How do management teams react?
What will delegates take away?
-
Master the Due Diligence Process
Understand each stage of commercial, financial, legal and operational due diligence, and how they interconnect. -
Enhance Deal Execution
Learn practical techniques to streamline investigations and improve transaction outcomes. -
Identify Red Flags Early
Gain insights into spotting risks and issues before they impact deal value or timelines. -
Apply Real-World Insights
Benefit from case studies and practitioner-led discussions that reflect current market practices.
Benefits to employers
- Sharper Deal Execution
Equip your team with the skills to run efficient, focused due diligence processes that support better investment decisions. - Risk Reduction
Improve the firm’s ability to identify red flags early, reducing exposure to financial, legal and reputational risks. - Time & Cost Efficiency
Help your professionals streamline investigations, saving valuable time and resources during deal execution. - Professional Development
Support the growth of junior and mid-level team members with practical, real-world training led by experienced practitioners.
FAQs about this course
What should I expect on the day?
Please arrive with plenty of time to register. Breakfast will be provided along with lunch and refreshments, with a drinks reception at the end of day 1. The course will kick-off with introductions followed by content from multiple speakers as per the agenda.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual.
What should I bring with me?
You may wish to bring something to work on/ to take notes such as a laptop or iPad (we will provide note pads and pens).
Will materials be shared with delegates?
Yes, all materials including slides and case studies will be shared with delegates.
Format
In-person, London
Course Director
The course is led by Jon Andrew. Learn more about him below.
Jon Andrew
Jon works alongside investment teams to support operational value creation within investee companies. He shares best practice across the portfolio supporting management teams as they develop growth strategies and helps them monitor performance.
After gaining a degree in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry at Durham University, Jon qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC and held roles within the Training, Transaction Services and Consulting teams. During this time, Jon designed and rolled out PwC’s inaugural Due Diligence Training Programme across Europe in 1997.
In 2005, Jon joined LDC to focus on performance improvement in its portfolio companies. Over his 15-year private equity career Jon has gained significant experience in a wide range of value creating activities and has particular expertise in driving change through complex integrations, IT implementation programmes, as well as 100-day planning initiatives.
Jon was born in Middlesbrough and because he believes the team chooses you, is a long-suffering Boro fan. He is also an ardent Yorkshire Cricket Club follower and enjoys running and tennis. When not trying to keep in shape, Jon likes to spend time with his three daughters.
Guest speakers
The course features guest speakers with a wealth of expertise and experience from across the private capital industry. Click a speaker below to learn more about them. Please note, guest speakers may vary depending on the course schedule.
Alexander Burgess-Smith
Awaiting speaker biography.
Bruce Douglas
Bruce founded Confidas People in 2017, having successfully transitioned from a career in professional sport, which spanned almost 20 years. From a background in sport, Bruce appreciates the urgency to deliver and perform consistently at a high level, something that is also essential within an investor backed business. Another similarity the worlds of professional sport and backing management teams share is that to be successful, there is a complete reliance on others to deliver. In both arenas, the value and reassurance of a thorough due diligence or selection process cannot be underestimated.
Bruce gained a degree in applied psychology and physiology, then a postgraduate masters in organisational psychology while amassing a wealth of experience in recruitment and executive search, predominantly in the finance sector. This enables Bruce to deliver a scientific approach to assessment, which leads to practical, actionable advice and outcomes to ensure people and businesses perform to the very best of their ability.
Ian McCaw
Ian McCaw is a Managing Director within Aon M&A and Transaction Solutions (AMATS) and is a recognised thought leader at the intersection of M&A and cyber risk. He advises corporates, private equity firms, and institutional investors on complex transactions, with a particular focus on identifying and mitigating digital and technology-related risks across the deal lifecycle.
Ian began his career as a software engineer, giving him a hands-on understanding of the technical realities behind today's cyber challenges. Combined with his experience as an entrepreneur and senior advisor, he brings a rare blend of technical fluency and commercial acumen to board-level conversations. Ian is known for translating complexity into clarity - helping executive teams make confident decisions in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.
Joseph Mash
Joseph Mash is a Corporate Associate and a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Private Equity and Private Fund Transactions Groups. Mr. Mash joined Debevoise as a trainee solicitor in 2018. Mr. Mash graduated from The Queen’s College, Oxford in 2017 with a B.A. He completed the LPC at the University of Law in 2018.
Mr. Mash was admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in 2020.
Philip Watson
Awaiting speaker biography.
Zachary Sosah
Zachary Sosah is a Corporate Associate and a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group. Mr. Sosah joined Debevoise as a trainee solicitor in 2018. He received his LL.B. (Honours) from University College London in 2017 and completed the LPC at BPP Law School in 2018.
Mr. Sosah was admitted as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales in 2020.
Course testimonial
The course was excellent! I found it very beneficial with plenty of interaction.
CPD accreditation
This course is CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service for 6 hours. By attending this course, you will receive a digital certificate from Diplomasafe. This certificate allows you to share and save your new CPD accredited qualification on LinkedIn, adding instantly verifiable credentials and strengthening your professional profile.
