Due Diligence Services in Chicago

When major business transactions are at stake, you need more than surface-level financial statements. Whether you're the buyer or seller in the transaction process, our detailed diligence process protects your interests and maximizes transaction value.

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4000+ Happy Clients
We service 1,000+ businesses and 3,000+ individual clients, many of them located nationwide.
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39 Years of Experience
Since 1986, we’ve provided comprehensive tax and accounting solutions for individuals and businesses.
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Serving 52 States
With our technology stack, we provide remote accounting services for you and your business, regardless the location.

What Is Due Diligence, and Why Is It Extremely Important?

Due diligence is the comprehensive investigation and analysis of a business before completing a transaction. This critical process allows both the seller and buyer to understand the true financial health, operational capabilities, and potential liabilities of the target company.

For any business transaction, conducting thorough financial due diligence is the first step toward protecting your investment. Our CPA due diligence services at Lewis.cpa verify the accuracy of financial statements, assess working capital requirements, analyze cash flow patterns, and identify any red flags that could impact the purchase price or deal structure. With us, you’re in good hands.

The due diligence process serves as your insurance policy against costly surprises. Without proper diligence, you risk overpaying, inheriting hidden liabilities, or missing critical operational issues that could derail your investment's success.

Who Benefits from Our Due Diligence Services?

Our due diligence services serve stakeholders at every stage of the transaction lifecycle, providing the critical analysis needed for successful outcomes. We often work with:

  • Acquiring Companies and Buyers

    Determine the true value and risk profile of potential acquisitions. Our analysis helps you avoid overpaying and identifies integration challenges before they become problems.

  • Selling Companies and Sellers

    Proactive seller-side due diligence helps you address issues before they arise during buyer due diligence, potentially increasing your sale price and reducing transaction delays.

  • Private Equity Firms and Investors

    Validate investment theses and assess potential returns with comprehensive financial and operational analysis.

  • Lenders and Financial Institutions

    Evaluate creditworthiness and collateral quality for acquisition financing and other lending decisions.

  • Strategic Partners

    Assess the viability and risks of joint ventures, partnerships, and other strategic alliances.

Our Comprehensive Due Diligence Services

We’re proud to provide specialized diligence services tailored to every aspect of your transaction, ensuring no critical element is overlooked during the evaluation process.

Financial Due Diligence

Our financial due diligence specialists conduct an in-depth analysis of a company's financial health, reviewing key statements, assessing asset and liability quality, and evaluating cash flow and profitability for sustainability.

Tax Due Diligence

Our tax specialists examine historical tax compliance, identify potential tax exposures, and evaluate tax assets and liabilities to understand a company's current and future tax implications, including multi-state considerations.

Operational Due Diligence

We evaluate the operational foundation of the target company, assessing core business processes, management capabilities, technological infrastructure, and supply chain efficiency to understand operational strengths and weaknesses.

Commercial Due Diligence

Our market-focused analysis includes industry position, competitive landscape, customer dynamics, and market trends to provide insights into the target company's commercial viability and growth potential.

Don't Guess, Know

Get a precise due diligence assessment from Lewis.cpa to navigate the complexities of your next business combination confidently.

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Our Diligence Process: From Initial Assessment to Final Report

At Lewis.cpa, our structured due diligence process ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining efficiency and confidentiality throughout your transaction. Here’s what you can expect along the way.

Our Expat Tax Planning Process.
  • Engagement Planning and Scope Definition

    We start by understanding your transaction objectives, timeline, and key concerns. Our team develops a tailored diligence plan that addresses your situation and risk tolerance.

  • Information Request and Data Gathering

    We provide comprehensive information requests covering financial, operational, legal, and commercial aspects. Our systematic approach ensures no critical documents are overlooked.

  • Analysis and Verification

    Our diligence specialists thoroughly analyze the information we received. We verify financial data, test key assumptions, and identify areas needing deeper investigation.

  • Risk and Opportunity Assessment

    We evaluate identified issues, quantify potential risks, and highlight valuable opportunities that could impact the transaction structure or purchase price.

  • Report Preparation and Findings Delivery

    We present a comprehensive report outlining our findings, conclusions, and strategic recommendations. Our reports focus on actionable insight that supports your decision-making.

  • Ongoing Support and Transaction Assistance

    We remain available to help with follow-up questions, additional analysis, and ongoing consultation throughout the transaction process.

Why Choose Lewis.cpa for Your Due Diligence Needs?

Choosing the right partner for due diligence is key to safeguarding your business transactions, and here's why Lewis.cpa stands out:

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Proven Transaction Experience

Our team has completed diligence on businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. We understand the unique challenges that specialized sectors face.
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Risk Assessment and Value Protection

We don't just identify problems; we help you understand their impact on value and develop strategies to address potential issues. Our analysis helps you determine fair purchase prices and negotiate better terms.
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Comprehensive Data Analysis

Our team thoroughly examines all documents and financial data to verify that it’s accurate and complete. We present our findings in clear, actionable reports that support your decision-making process.

Client Reviews

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Susan S. Lewis LTD and her entire staff has always guided me with their extensive knowledge and confidence.  As a result I don’t worry about taxes, investments, etc. Love working with them.
Mary Ann Poulos
5.0
I have been working with Susan S. Lewis, CPA for over 17 years.  Her dedication and expertise has kept me on track for both my personnel and business tax requirements. She comes prepared for all meetings and offers exceptional professional advice on all tax matters.
Jeff Wiktor
5.0
Professional, expert services from people who care about their clients.
Diane Traxler
5.0
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FAQ

  • How long does the due diligence process typically take?

    The timeline for the process varies based on transaction complexity, company size, and scope of review. Simple transactions may complete in 2-4 weeks, while complex deals can take 6-12 weeks. We’ll work with you to ensure we meet your transaction deadlines without compromising quality.

  • What documents should we prepare for due diligence?

    Key documents include recent financial statements, tax returns, customer contracts, employee agreements, vendor contracts, accounts receivable aging, inventory reports, and legal documents. We provide a comprehensive checklist tailored to your situation.

  • How much does due diligence cost?

    Costs depend on transaction size, complexity, and scope of work required. We believe in transparency, offering fee estimates upfront. We’re happy to work within your budget to deliver the analysis you need. The investment in proper due diligence typically pays for itself by identifying issues that could impact value.

  • Can you help with both buy-side and sell-side due diligence?

    Yes, we assist both buyers and sellers. For buyers, we identify risks and verify information. For sellers, we help address potential issues proactively and present your business in the best light to prospective buyers.

Ready to Protect Your Next Business Transaction?

Don't leave your critical investment decisions to chance. Partner with Lewis.cpa for comprehensive due diligence services that provide the clarity and confidence you need to succeed. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

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