
Big decision? We're here to help.
When you’re making a major business move, whether buying a company, taking on a new partner, or making a significant investment, it’s natural to focus on the opportunities ahead. But just as important is protecting yourself from hidden risks. That’s where due diligence comes in. In plain terms, due diligence is a financial “health check” of a business before you commit. Think of it like getting a survey before buying a house, you want to know what’s behind the walls before you sign the contract.
Our job is to make sure you have the clearest possible picture of what you’re stepping into. Due diligence helps you: Confirm that the numbers you’ve been shown are accurate. Spot any hidden debts, tax issues, or legal risks. Understand whether profits are consistent and sustainable. Judge whether the business has the cash flow to support its future.
Our due diligence checklist:
Business forecast analysis.
-
Review underlying assumptions for revenue growth, pricing and market share.
-
Assess cost projections, margin trends, and sensitivity to key variables.
-
Compare forecasts against historical performance and industry benchmarks.
-
Evaluate cash flow projections, funding requirements and break-even timing.
-
Identify key risks, scenario modelling and downside contingencies.
-
Confirm alignment between strategic plans and financial forecast outputs.
Step
1
Valuation calculations.
-
Review valuation methodology applied (e.g. income, market, or asset-based approaches).
-
Verify key inputs and assumptions, including discount rates, growth rates, and comparables.
-
Assess consistency between valuation outputs and financial forecasts.
-
Benchmark valuation against comparable transactions and industry multiples.
-
Review sensitivity analysis to understand impact of changes in key variables.
-
Confirm rationale for any adjustments, premiums, or discounts applied.
Step
2
Business plan preparation.
-
Review completeness and clarity of the business plan structure and executive summary.
-
Assess alignment of strategy, goals and operational plans with market realities.
-
Verify accuracy and consistency of financial projections and supporting data.
-
Evaluate market analysis, customer segmentation, and competitive positioning.
-
Check feasibility of operational, marketing, and staffing plans.
-
Ensure risk factors, mitigation strategies, and contingencies are clearly addressed.
Step
3
Negotiation assistance.
-
Identify key negotiation objectives, priorities, and deal breakers.
-
Review terms, conditions, and contractual clauses for clarity and risk exposure.
-
Benchmark proposed terms against industry standards and comparable deals.
-
Prepare supporting data, financial models, and scenario analyses for discussions.
-
Anticipate counterparty positions and potential negotiation tactics.
-
Document agreed points and follow up to ensure alignment before finalisation.
Step
4

Comprehensive due diligence services.
As your accountants, Blue Peak handle the detail. A due diligence review typically involves:
-
Checking financial statements to make sure they reflect reality.
-
Reviewing tax filings to highlight any exposures.
-
Looking at cash flow, debt, and day-to-day finances to test stability.
-
Assessing whether the business systems and controls are sound.
The Bottom Line: Due diligence doesn’t just protect you from nasty surprises, it also
puts you in a stronger position to negotiate, because you’ll have a clear understanding of the business’s true value. It’s an investment in peace of mind, and in making confident, informed decisions.