Due diligence investigations can have a different meaning among different industries and organizations. In private investigation, due diligence is used to analyze the character, integrity and reputation of an individual or a business. Different types of information is often uncovered, including cases of harassment, fraud, past criminal trouble, or regulatory issues.
With individuals, due diligence can uncover:
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Work history, including affiliations and board memberships
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History of, and details regarding, civil litigation and criminal case history
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Driving history
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Any listings on sex offender registries
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Credit history (with consent)
Corporate due diligence is of a slightly different nature. They’re often performed prior to a business entering into a merger or acquisition with another organization. These cases can be requested by the entire spectrum of companies: small- to medium-sized businesses, large corporations, private equity firms, or other types of investments.
With companies, due diligence can determine:
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Licenses and government compliance checks
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Financial history, including assets, bankruptcies, tax court cases and liens
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Corporate affiliations
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Political contributions
Learning these details can be important for a business or investor to make an informed decision when entering into a merger or acquisition. Ideally, due diligence would help mitigate risk; an investigation would unearth any surprises prior to reaching a formal agreement or entering into a contract, when it may be too late to back out.
Want to find out more about due diligence and the benefits it provides? The National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) is an online provider of state-approved and accredited private investigator training classes and can answer any questions you may have. Call 1-800-730-NITA (6482) or visit the NITA website to learn more about their courses.
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
