Due diligence protects the buyer from post-closing surprises. Here is what you need to examine before signing any binding agreement.
Due diligence is not reserved for large transactions — it is essential for any serious acquisition. The checklist below covers the main areas serious buyers examine before proceeding with a business purchase. This list is not exhaustive and is not legal advice — every transaction has its own characteristics, and qualified advisors in legal, financial, and accounting disciplines should be engaged.
Financial Due Diligence
Three to five years of audited or management accounts
Current year management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
Monthly revenue breakdown for the past 24 months
Top customer and supplier concentration analysis
Outstanding receivables and payables aging report
Existing loans, liabilities, and off-balance-sheet commitments
Tax filing history and any outstanding tax obligations
Legal Due Diligence
Trade licence, registration documents, and renewal history
Full ownership structure and shareholder documentation
Employment contracts for key staff and statutory obligations
Existing commercial contracts, leases, and exclusivity agreements
Any pending disputes, claims, or regulatory investigations
IP ownership: trademarks, patents, domain names, software licences
Organisational chart and key person dependency analysis
List of suppliers with contract terms and notice periods
Key customer relationships and renewal or churn history
Technology and system dependencies — licences and data ownership
Inventory valuation and condition report (if applicable)
Operational procedures and whether they are documented
Health, safety, and environmental compliance status
Commercial Due Diligence
Market size and competitive landscape
Revenue growth drivers and risks
Customer acquisition cost and retention rate
Pricing power and margin sustainability
Geographic or sector expansion potential
Threat of technology disruption or regulatory change
El Arab Club does not verify the accuracy of documents shared by business owners and does not provide due diligence services. The club's deal rooms provide a structured environment for information exchange. Buyers are responsible for conducting their own examination with their own advisors.