Financial due diligence tests whether the numbers behind a deal hold up — quality of earnings, working capital normalization, hidden liabilities, and whether historical financials actually support the valuation being discussed. We support both buy-side due diligence (protecting a buyer or investor before they commit capital) and sell-side readiness (getting a business's financials in order before it goes to market), for M&A, investment rounds and partnership transactions in the UAE.

A structured financial review of a target business — earnings quality, working capital, liabilities and financial history — conducted ahead of an acquisition, investment or partnership transaction.

Who needs it?
Buyers and investors evaluating a UAE acquisition or investment target, sellers preparing a business for sale, and businesses entering a significant partnership or joint venture involving capital contribution.

- Confidence the numbers behind a deal actually hold up

- Identification of hidden liabilities or earnings adjustments before you commit

- Stronger negotiating position based on verified financial facts

- Faster, smoother deal process when sell-side readiness is done in advance

1. Define the scope of the review based on the transaction and key risks

2. Analyze historical financials, quality of earnings, and working capital

3. Identify red flags, adjustments and areas needing further clarification

4. Deliver a findings report supporting valuation and negotiation decisions

Cost Factor ~ Based on target business complexity and size, transaction value, and depth of scope (full due diligence vs focused review of specific areas).

Timeline ~ A focused due diligence review typically takes 2–3 weeks; a full-scope review on a larger or more complex target can take 4–8 weeks.

1. What's the difference between buy-side and sell-side due diligence?
Buy-side due diligence protects a buyer or investor by independently verifying a target's financials before they commit capital, while sell-side due diligence (or vendor due diligence) prepares a seller's financials in advance so they can withstand buyer scrutiny and support a smoother, faster process. Many sellers commission their own review before going to market specifically to avoid surprises during buyer diligence.

2. What are the most common issues financial due diligence uncovers?
Common findings include one-off items inflating normalized earnings, working capital that doesn't match what's assumed in the deal structure, undisclosed liabilities or contingencies, and revenue recognition that doesn't hold up under closer review. Catching these before signing materially changes negotiating leverage.

3. How long does financial due diligence take for a typical UAE SME acquisition?
A focused review of a straightforward SME target typically takes 2–3 weeks once full access to records is granted, though this extends for larger, multi-entity or poorly documented businesses. Timeline is usually the biggest variable, driven by how quickly the target provides complete information.