Our client was a mid-market PE firm interested in acquiring a laboratory business that conducts testing on tissue samples using nano technology. The target company was primarily owned by a Chinese national (doctor) who had been in the U.S. for 30 years. The PE firm engaged us to determine whether there were items in the backgrounds of the target company or owner — such as a history of improper business practices, participation in criminal or regulatory proceedings, evidence of fraud, excessive litigiousness, personal conduct, or the like — that would affect the client’s willingness to enter into the transaction. The client was also interested in whether the owner maintained improper ties to the Chinese government. The work included a detailed public records investigation and analysis and drafting a report. Our work allowed the client to better negotiate on important points and close the deal with confidence.

Note: This work was performed prior to joining Stout.