What happens in due diligence?
Short answer
After you accept an offer, the buyer reviews your financials, contracts, team, tax and legal matters in detail. Surprises found here are the most common reason prices drop.
What to know
- It usually takes 60 to 120 days.
- A quality of earnings review tests your profit.
- Anything undisclosed becomes a reason to renegotiate.
What to do next
- 1Build a data room before you go to market.
- 2Run your own review first.
- 3Disclose known issues early.
Last reviewed September 2026 by the Horizon team. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.