Facilitator Guide

M&A Due Diligence Process

Facilitator Guide

M&A Due Diligence Process

Topic: M&A Basics (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/trainings/m-a-due-diligence-process/attendee

Prepare Yourself

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

Course

M&A Due Diligence Process

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.
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.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.