[Verse 1] Before the ink is dry on that merger deal Check the books and records, make the risks reveal Corporate filings tell a story deep Hidden liabilities might make you weep Financial statements, patents, pending suits Dig through every folder, follow all the roots [Chorus] Due diligence, check everything twice Review, reveal, reduce the price Contracts and claims, debts and liens Know what you're buying, know what it means Due diligence, your shield and sword Systematic searching is your reward [Verse 2] Start with corporate structure, who owns what share Board resolutions, are the minutes there Employment agreements, non-compete clauses Look for material breaches, find the causes Intellectual property, is it really theirs Trade secrets protected with proper care [Chorus] Due diligence, check everything twice Review, reveal, reduce the price Contracts and claims, debts and liens Know what you're buying, know what it means Due diligence, your shield and sword Systematic searching is your reward [Bridge] Environmental issues hiding in the ground Regulatory compliance, violations found Tax returns and audits, three years back at least Customer contracts, will they stick or cease Insurance coverage, litigation pending Your checklist growing, never-ending [Verse 3] Red flags rising when the data's incomplete Seller's rushing you, but don't accept defeat Virtual data rooms with documents galore Index every file, then search for more Material adverse changes, disclosure time Walk away or negotiate, the choice is thine [Chorus] Due diligence, check everything twice Review, reveal, reduce the price Contracts and claims, debts and liens Know what you're buying, know what it means Due diligence, your shield and sword Systematic searching is your reward [Outro] When the transaction closes and the deal is done Your thorough research means the battle's won No hidden surprises in the months ahead Due diligence kept you out of the red
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