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Facilitator Guide

M&A Due Diligence Process (UK)

What’s covered

  • What’s due diligence
  • Scoping DD
  • Getting organised
  • Reviewing the materials
  • Documenting findings

Before the session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/discussions/m-a-due-diligence-process-uk/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

  • still frame from M&A Due Diligence Process (UK)

    Course

    M&A Due Diligence Process (UK)

    An explanation of what’s involved in due diligence processes for private UK M&A transactions, from initial scoping and team coordination through document review and final reporting. The course covers the practical skills lawyers need to organise efficient DD and deliver findings to clients.

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    Exercise

    PDF

During the session

Part 1: Knowledge Check
 
Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic: 
  • Why is due diligence a critical part of an M&A transaction?
  • What are the general stages of the legal DD process?
  • How do buy-side and sell-side DD differ in purpose and scope?
  • What are some common red-flag issues that might emerge in legal DD?
  • Why is coordination across teams (legal, financial, commercial) so important?
  • What are some key considerations when reporting DD findings to clients?
 
Part 2: Group Exercise
 
Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarise their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.
 
Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.
 
Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics
 
Share your own experiences and guidance, including:
  • Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
  • General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
  • Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s M&A Basics (UK) topic.