As the number of small business deals involving M&A continue to increase the importance of the implementation of VDR to ensure deal success cannot be overemphasized. The correct VDR is essential to the success of any deal. It will speed up due diligence process and make for smoother transactions. In this article, we look at best practices to select the best VDR to support M&A transactions of different dimensions and complexity.
In the case of an investment bank a VDR can help make each transaction as smooth as is possible for both buyers and sellers by allowing them access to sensitive information in a safe environment. This can greatly streamline the process and decrease the potential for miscommunication or misunderstanding.
VDRs can also help in facilitation of negotiation and signing non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with third parties. This cuts down on the time and effort involved in negotiating an agreement. Many modern VDRs allow you to build automated workflows, which include electronic signatures, which can be used for NDAs with just a couple of clicks.
VDRs can also be used to integrate data with third-party platforms and software, such as Office 365. This can significantly simplify the transfer of information between different systems which can reduce or eliminate delays, and ensuring the most current version is available.
Many VDRs offer file-level security features such as digital rights management (DRM) which limits the ability to print, copy or distribute files outside of the VDR. They may also offer access control and activity tracking to protect against the theft of data by unauthorized users or other outsiders. Find a VDR that offers industry-specific features like compliance certificates, such as FedRAMP or FINRA. Additionally, look for a VDR that has an easy drag-and-drop interface to allow third-parties to submit documents without registering an account or installing software.