One of the major parts of our business is collecting and analysing intelligence for our clients. Sometimes this is pre-transactional, sometimes it is post transactional. We are often called upon to research the background and reputation of companies and individuals. This is sometimes prior to an acquisition or joint venture, it may be prior to a private equity investment, or it may be in connection with account opening requirements. We can monitor a business or group to assist with strategic decision making. This service is used by firms considering litigation as well as minority shareholders, creditor committees, technology licensees and major suppliers or customers. Financial institutions sometimes engage us to research a country or industry sector to advise on political risk and integrity and governance issues. Corporations may ask us to research and identify potential partners in developing or challenging locations. Sometimes we are asked to research the conduct of a joint venture partner where there are concerns that there may be more than just bad business decisions behind a joint venture that is not living up to earlier promise. Law firms sometimes ask us to assist with intelligence gathering to support dispute resolution or legal action. Our work on these issues is almost always highly sensitive although the general research cases at the macro level are less so. We have worked on these cases all over the Asian region and in many other locations around the world. We have looked into a very large number of industries in these countries. Just like in fraud investigations, we bring to this process experience, discretion and independence. |
