Cybersecurity considerations across the life cycle of a deal
By Brian Nichols & Eric Wunderlich, Baker Tilly
Why cybersecurity factors into deal considerations
Businesses today operate in a digital world. This means that technology has a significant role in day-to-day operations, interactions with customers and the integrity of financial information. If an organization has not properly maintained its technology, including the security of that technology, then the fundamentals of a transaction and the associated value of the acquisition could be compromised. In fact, 80% of global dealmakers have uncovered data security issues in at least 25% of their mergers and acquisition (M&A) targets in the previous two years [1].
Additionally, many organizations today outsource all or part of their IT services to third-party service providers. These service providers provide a full spectrum of services from hardware and software installation to managing user access and even helpdesk support. However, just because an organization has outsourced all or part of the IT services does not mean they have mitigated the risk to those services.
Focusing on technology services and cybersecurity concerns during a deal allows the acquiring organization to be more confident in their purchase. Purchasing organizations with a more in-depth understanding of the technology, risks and third-parties supporting their target’s business operations have a stronger likelihood of a successful transition during post-deal closing activities.