Due Diligence
An M&A Value Creation Approach

In today's uncertain economic climate, determining the potential for a prospective merger or acquisition to create shareholder value, and then delivering on that promise, is more critical than ever.

In one comprehensive volume, Due Diligence offers a synthesis of practical guidance that spans the entire acquisition process from strategic planning, candidate pursuit, target evaluation, contract negotiation, through post-acquisition integration. Written by William Gole and Paul Hilger—recognized experts in the field of M&A—this important resource outlines a proven approach to performing due diligence with an eye toward optimizing shareholder value.

The authors emphasize a broad approach to merger and acquisition due diligence and focus on points throughout the entire transaction when a deal presents either downside risk or an opportunity to create value. Offering a step-by-step approach to the due diligence process, Gole and Hilger emphasize the following principles:

• Holistic Due Diligence: A cross-transactional perspective of risks and opportunities that spans the entire process
• Sound Strategic Framework: A disciplined growth strategy that guides the search for suitable acquisition targets
• Purposeful Behavior: Alignment of the acquirer's actions before, during, and following the close of the transaction with its value creation and risk mitigation objectives
• Explicit Planning to Create Value: An investor mind-set that focuses on the creation of value for the acquirer

Any CFO, CEO, controller, director of finance, or business manager involved in a merger or acquisition will find this book to be a timely guide for ensuring productive results.