When due diligence investigations are used
- Before a merger, acquisition, joint venture or major contract
- Before accepting an investor, partner or shareholder
- Before hiring or appointing an executive, officer or director
- Before a significant real estate or private lending transaction
- In litigation, to understand an opposing party's history and resources
- When a business relationship already in place starts to feel wrong
What we examine
Individual profiles include criminal history, civil litigation, judgments and liens, bankruptcy, military records, consumer credit profiles where permitted, banking relationships, education and employment history, professional licenses and standing in professional associations. Business profiles include corporate registration and officers, ownership structure, financial condition, litigation and regulatory history, UCC filings, real property and reputation in the market. Where the subject has ties to Colombia, Venezuela or elsewhere in Latin America, we extend the inquiry to those jurisdictions.
Why an investigation beats a database report
Automated reports match names. Investigators match people. We resolve identity conflicts, read the underlying court files rather than the index entries, interview former associates and, when the stakes justify it, verify a claimed operation on the ground. The result is a written report that explains what we found, how we found it and how confident you should be in it.
Cross-border due diligence between the United States and Latin America
Miami is where much of the capital moving between Latin America and the United States changes hands, and a large share of our due diligence work involves a counterparty on the other side of that flow. Our bilingual investigators combine United States records with sources in Colombia, Venezuela and the wider region, giving clients on either side one trusted point of contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a background check and due diligence?
A background check answers who someone is. Due diligence answers whether you should do business with them. Due diligence is broader, includes business and financial analysis and is tailored to the specific transaction or decision.
How is the report delivered?
As a written report with source documentation, suitable for a board, an investment committee or counsel. We are available to walk through findings by phone or in person in Miami.
Do you comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
Yes. Where a due diligence investigation supports an employment or credit decision, we comply with the FCRA when furnishing the information.