ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP | Due Diligence Services - Pakistan

Due Diligence

Due diligence services include a process of investigation or exercise of care that a reasonable business or person is normally expected to take before entering into an agreement or contract with another party or an act with a certain standard of care.

To maximize the value of every transaction, ZA-LLP employs a focused and tailored approach to rapidly identify and understand potential deal breakers, value drivers and other areas of specific interest to our clients. ZA-LLP's professionals bring extensive experience with clients providing commercial / market diligence, financial accounting due diligence, operational due diligence, IT due diligence, valuation services and tax due diligence in a unique integrated approach. Our professionals can execute in buy and sell side situations.


Due Diligence Services in Pakistan

We share our clients' ambitions. We work to understand their reality and deliver true results—focusing on strategic decisions and practical actions. And we align our incentives with our clients' objectives, so they know we're in it together.

Due Diligence Framework

Due Diligence Framework

Types of Due Diligence

The three main categories of due diligence are legal, financial and commercial. Although these have traditionally been distinct, the best due diligence programmes maintain an element of close cooperation as the work in one area can often inform the checks being carried out elsewhere. Many practices now offer an integrated service that brings these strands together.

Legal Due Diligence

Legal due diligence seeks to examine the legal basis of a transaction, for example to ensure that a target business holds or can exercise the intellectual property rights that are crucial to the future success of the company.

Other areas that would most likely be explored include:

  • legal structure

  • contracts

  • loans

  • property

  • employment

  • pending litigation

Financial Due Diligence

Financial due diligence focuses on verifying the financial information provided and to assess the underlying performance of the business.

This would be expected to consider areas such as:

  • earnings

  • assets

  • liabilities

  • cash flow

  • debt

  • management

Commercial Due Diligence

Commercial due diligence considers the market in which a business sits, for example involving conversations with customers, an assessment of competitors and a fuller analysis of the assumptions that lie behind the business plan. All of this is intended to determine whether the business plan stands up to the realities of the market.

Others

Other types of due diligence cover areas such as taxation, pensions, IT systems and intellectual property.

Our Integrated Due Diligence services include:

  • Commercial Due Diligence

  • Financial Accounting Due Diligence

  • Operational Due Diligence

  • IT Due Diligence

  • Valuation Services

  • Tax Due Diligence

  • Investigative Due Diligence

Tax Due Diligence

Identifying tax risks and an optimised tax structure is a crucial aspect of any acquisition or formation. Our consultants analyse potential exposures and opportunities to provide the extended tax intelligence needed well before negotiations are initiated.

Investigative Due Diligence

ZA-LLP pioneered the concept of investigative due diligence. Our investigative due diligence capability provides a consultative approach to clients undertaking new and significant projects, whether underwriting an IPO, considering a merger or acquisition, participating in a joint venture or entering a new marketplace.

The risks inherent in today's financial transactions are greater than ever. ZA-LLP provides answers to questions that financial and legal analyses cannot address, especially regarding integrity issues and the reputations and backgrounds of counterparties. ZA-LLP helps identify risk so deals can proceed or be restructured for clients who engage in the following:

  • Mergers and acquisitions

  • Public offerings

  • Financing

  • Joint ventures

Private equity, venture capital and other investments

Clients engage ZA-LLP when they need a consultative and comprehensive investigative process to identify key details and then connect the dots. They hire ZA-LLP when they are attempting to manage the risks associated with critical transactions or new relationships — a high-value IPO or merger, a significant acquisition or investment, participating in a joint venture or the appointment of a new board member.

ZA-LLP global team is comprised of former prosecutors and members of law enforcement and investigative agencies, forensic accountants, financial analysts, computer and cyber-crime professionals, corporate governance specialists, former business journalists and litigation consultants. The diversity of professionals at ZA-LLP enables us to bring to our cases complementary and sophisticated fact-finding techniques and analytical methodologies. Our professionals bring real-world insights to each assignment and an unparalleled ability to turn raw information into meaningful business intelligence.

We tailor our investigative due diligence to each client and their specific needs, and our work entails a thorough review and analysis of public records and inquiries of human sources. ZA-LLP does not rely on databases and computer-based sources alone. These sources are often incomplete or updated only sporadically. As such, ZA-LLP conducts onsite research in developed and emerging markets and analyses this information to identify risks.

Our services include investigating, analysing and verifying significant information, such as:

  • Regulatory history, sanctions and violations

  • Criminal proceedings and civil litigation

  • Corporate, partnership and other business records

  • Property and other asset-related sources

  • Professional and educational history

  • Personal and business reputations

Valuation Services

Companies, private equity and hedge funds, investors and parties to contracts deal with transactional information that has been recorded at fair value and often subject to periodic measurement of such. What is your next transaction really worth?

The complexity of fair value measurement increases as fair value takes root in financial reporting and contractual arrangements among buyers, sellers, customers, vendors and employees. Routine business transactions often now require the computation of fair value as do strategic investment decisions.

Our professionals come from large accounting firms and independent valuation firms of national repute. They each have a background in a specialist area, as well as a deep grounding in core valuation concepts. They are known for their thoughts on complex topics and support of the valuation industry in a variety of leadership roles. We draw from extensive experience across a wide range of industries, building on ZA-LLP industry-focused groups. When our clients are valuing a business or other transaction, ZA-LLP brings all of this to the table for them and more. We are supported by a technical accounting team with experience from the national offices of large accounting firms, who monitor changes in the accounting standards and regulations with valuation implications.

Let ZA-LLP bring its proven corporate valuation services to bear on your next transaction.

Global Due Diligence Investigation Services

ZA-LLP vast network and global footprint allows us to provide clients additional investigative capabilities. Due diligence of foreign entities may require a further understanding of local laws, languages or customs especially when records are not readily available electronically. Our team has the expertise to assist you on a global basis.

Potential Issues

  • You want to strengthen your company's core business by acquiring rival products that are almost identical in function / performance to your own;

  • You need to build on your company's existing activities by purchasing complementary products;

  • You want to purchase a company to gain access to its existing products in new markets, or to increase your customer base;

  • You need to expand your company's current portfolio of products and services through the acquisition of new ones - potentially to provide a hedge against the movements in the markets in which the company operates; and

  • You want to spread your company's market risk by purchasing a company providing similar products or services in another country.

How we can support you?

  • By enhancing the purchaser's understanding of the target business and therefore increasing the likelihood of the deal achieving its objectives;

  • By helping you to identify and understand critical success factors and therefore improve your understanding of all the relevant issues so that informed decisions can be made;

  • By highlighting strengths that can be built upon or weaknesses that can be resolved;

  • By additional skills and impetus to meet the level of scrutiny required by external stakeholders;

  • By Enhanced competitive positioning and optimisation of potential value;

  • By Confidence that new operating models can be implemented;

  • By Alignment of major stakeholders around a key decision; and

  • By Integrated support to meet business needs.

More about ZA-LLP's financial / commercial due diligence services

  • Commercial due diligence involves a comprehensive review of the company's business plan in the context of market conditions and the industry / competition; and

  • Strategic reviews help companies formulate their corporate strategy and diagnose poor performance, providing a basis on which to prepare plans for improvement and to evaluate new markets and potential acquisition targets. In the case of financial institutions, they also help assess the feasibility of business plans.

What makes us different?

Our strategy practice is recognised for providing rigorous views of businesses and insightful, practical solutions with highly engaged, high calibre teams. For our commercial deals advice, this means:

  • Strategy adviser of choice Our financial and corporate clients choose to work with us to solve their most difficult problems and unlock their biggest opportunities.

  • Rigorous views of businesses We bring sector expertise and an independent perspective to develop views of businesses in a disciplined way. We work with clients at pace without compromising quality.

  • Highly engaged, high calibre teams We have outstanding individuals who work with clients to get things done. Our people get great feedback on what it is like to work with us.

Combining financial expertise with commercial experience, the ZA-LLP approach focuses on identifying and analysing business fundamentals.

Our multi-disciplinary teams target business drivers, balance sheet pillars, key management, key relationships and taxation as they seek to understand and summarise the whole business for our clients.

Possessing accurate information and knowing what the key strategic drivers are for your business is vital in the decision making process.


Our Core Competencies

1

Collaborative Skillset

Collaborative lawyers trust the wisdom of the group; lone wolves and isolationists do not do any good anymore.

2

Emotional Intelligence

Distant, detached lawyers are relics of the 20th century, the market no longer wants a lawyer who is only half a person.

3

Technological Affinity

If you can not effectively and efficiently use e-communications, and mobile tech, you might as well just stay home.

4

Time Management

Virtually a substantial part of lawyers difficulties in this regard lie with their inability to prioritise their time.


What People Say About Us

  • Thank you for your email and the final draft. Indeed it is one of the finest drafts I have come across with. Certainly, your commitment level, eagerness to resolve, intellectual strength, attention to detail and legal expertise are commendable. Under your admirable guidance and direction, I have been able to maneuver with immense success and will reach fruition much earlier than anticipated. Thank you for being so supportive!

    Yaser Shan ~ Toronto, Canada
  • Thank you again so much for this wonderful service. I just wanted you both to know, I spent weeks searching for a service in Pakistan like this, that could legally handle payroll for a Pakistani employee for a US based business and so far I am extremely happy with your organization's service and punctuality. Your service thus far is absolutely amazing and I know Sunita is grateful that we were able to find your organization to ensure her position at our company.

    Prince E. Rich IV | CEO ~ Rich Technology Group LLC, USA
  • We are very happy with the work you have done. Its highly appreciated the professionalism and deep research by the team. Accept our deep gratitude! I do not know how to say Thank you to you and your team! It's a masterpiece you have created and we are very thankful for your help to assist in our social cause.

    Imtiaz Makhani ~ Karachi, Pakistan
  • Thank you very much for your fantastic support, which has been absolutely invaluable throughout the process. We really enjoyed working with you and look forward to plenty more opportunities for shared projects into the future.

    Dr. Albrecht Muser | KPMG ~ München, Germany
  • Working with all of you over the last years has been a pleasure and an honour! Your expertise, focus on customer service and professionalism make it possible for us to provide superior services to our clients and I am so grateful to you.

    Maude Burger-Smith ~ Cape Town, South Africa
  • We are glad to inform you the receipt of current outstanding balance in our bank account from the disputed party. Therefore we request you to arrange to close the dispute case with them as per our management decision. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support and advice to solve this matter. It was pleasure working with you all.

    Rahul Meppad ~ Dubai, UAE
  • Thank you for your support in this process and for your great hospitality. Your assistance has been of great importance. It was also important to see and experience the high quality of your services and your well known firm.

    Magnus Greko ~ Sweden
  • Thank you for your support in this process. Your assistance has been invaluable. We are looking forward to a long lasting working relationship with you. Also, thank you for hospitality during these past days.

    Lothar Geilen ~ Germany
  • Dear Atty. Iram Fatima: I would like to let you know that my wife came in USA last week. The U.S. Embassy Islamabad approved her visa petition in the lights of all the wonderful endeavors done by you and Mr. Birach. It was a long legal battle of about 7 years. I must say that your law firm is one of the best in the country and you are a highly professional advocate. Dr. Zafar should feel proud to have you in his crew. Finally, again I would say Thanks for all your legal services and I am your best reference.

    Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
  • Dear Dr Zafar and Iram: Thank you very much for timely submission of the excellent opinion letter. It is very well drafted and covers the key points. We very much appreciate your excellent and timely work in preparing the legal opinion.

    Mrs. Iqbal Farrukh ~ San Francisco, USA
  • Dear Attorney Iram Fatima: Thanks so much for all of your kind efforts in this area and I must admit that your legal firm is the best in the country.

    Zubair Mufti ~ Texas, USA
  • The efficiency and effectiveness of your services are much appreciated.

    James Alexander Linton Williams ~ UK
  • We are complately satisfied with the e-communication and provided services. We would like to thank the whole team, and Ms Iram Fatima in particular, for your professionalism and the Due Diligence you carried out.

    Elena Pavlova ~ France
  • Many thanks for this, and thank you for being so prompt. It is very appreciated.

    Alex Gilchrist ~ Somerset, UK
  • Thank you again for handling my case so well, I am honoured to be represented by you.

    Yolanda Slabbert ~ Port Elizabeth, South Africa
  • Thank you very much for your great attention to my case, I see that you're a very serious company and I'm happy that I've choose you.

    Sergio Lujan ~ Bogota, Colombia
  • I really appreciate the help and support provided by Zafar and Associates to our company. I don’t know what to say or how to thank you, but to tell the truth your services are really the best legal services we have ever received. You are truly a professional and effective law firm.

    Adnan Branbo ~ Dubai, UAE
  • Thank you very much for your contribution. We will review the information and incorporate it into the International Citation Manual of Washington University Global Studies Law Review. Your help is appreciated.

    Naomi Levin ~ Washington, USA
  • I wanted to let you know that i got the documents. And i wanted to thank you and the whole team who worked on my case. You all did a good job thanks again.

    Naima Ashraf ~ The Hague, Holland
  • Thank you very much for all the work you have done to ensure that the Death in Service benefit reaches the parents of the deceased. Are they expecting this money and do they understand where it is coming from? We appreciate your assistance and excellent work.

    Susan Bauer ~ London, UK
  • I have no words to express my gratitude to you. People like you are very rare and I have the privilege to know one of those. May God shower all blessings on to you and your family. I am a small man with only prayers on my lips.

    Dr. Haridev Bhargava ~ Saratoga, USA
  • I must say your handling of this matter has been totally sterling and I shall not have any hesitation in recommending you and your firm to others.

    Rosina Ahmad ~ UK
  • Good morning, I received the documents back yesterday afternoon. Thank you so much for your quick response to the job. We really appreciate it. Looking forward to working with you in the further.

    Mrs. Jan Malcolm ~ Auckland, New Zealand
  • Thank you very much for the case. It is just brilliant! I am so grateful that you went out of your way to help me.”

    Loraine Bhan ~ Suva, Fiji
  • I do appreciate highly the sense of commitment your office wishes to dedicate to the follow up of our question for information. I have transmitted the contents of your email IMMEDIATELY to the contact, together with confirmation of the highest esteem we attribute to the quality of the services rendered by ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES.

    Paul Wouters ~ Istanbul, Turkey
  • Thank you very much for the information and good news. I know you’ve been working too hard and I appreciate every single minute working with you all. It’s an experience to be in the team of hardworking people and I am very proud to be included.

    Evangeline Williams ~ Paphos, Cyprus
  • I would like to thank you for your swift and excellent service that your office recently provided us. I would definitely forward your contact information to my friends and family in reference to seeking legal matters in Pakistan. I would also inform Sean Hogan and his associates to pass on your contact information to any clients that may need assistance in the matters of law in Pakistan.

    Zarar Khan ~ Miami, USA
  • We are greatly impressed with your firm and the professional calibre of the partners. If acceptable, we would like to keep your firm as a reference for future projects. Please let me know.

    Tanaz Pardiwala ~ Barcelona, Spain
  • We are happy to inform you that we have received the original succession certificate via DHL. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts, especially Dr. Zafar, who was kind enough to handle the security deposit at the court. With our best wishes and success for the New Year, to you and your esteemed team, we remain with.

    Mansur Asrar ~ Istanbul, Turkey
  • I am writing to convey to you how much I appreciate your prompt service! My mother called me today and informed me that 2 lawyers from your firm visited her. It is a pleasant surprise to know that such a law firm exists in our very own country. I would definitely recommend your firm to any friend who is in need of professional legal services in Pakistan.

    Naveed Ahmad ~ USA
  • I am truly very impressed with the follow up of your law firm. I never thought a Pakistani firm would be so aggressive and pro-active. Do you even happen to come to NYC? If so, then please look me up here when you visit next.

    Faisal Mumtaz ~ New York, USA
  • I want to thank you for all services you have rendered to us. I really appreciate it and hope on further cooperation.

    Petrov Andrey ~ Moscow, Russia
  • With God's help you have done a great thing for our family. Thank you so much for your diligence and expertise. We are truly grateful to God for all that is possible now. We also are looking forward to meeting you and your staff when we arrive in Pakistan next month. Please let us know if there is anything we can bring for you from the United States as a gift.

    Shaukat Minhas and Colleen Davidson ~ Dallas, USA
  • Your help in investigation case is well appreciated. My brother and I are ever grateful to you for obtaining the document. Thank you and god bless you and your practice team.

    Kevin Lessani - Dallas - USA
  • I greatly appreciate that your law firm is very careful in its preparation of petitions. In fact, the outcome of a legal fight greatly depends on how effectively a law firm has presented its case. If it fails to conceive in advance as to what it will have to face in defense, it can not prepare an effective petition. I admire that ZAFAR & ASSOCIATES - LLP are very careful in their initial step i.e. to prepare petition, around which the whole legal battle is fought.

    M. Iftikhar Sheikh ~ Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia