Question 1

What does your engagement process look like?

Accepted Answer

A 30-minute scoping call to map the matter, followed by a written engagement letter with scope, deliverables, timeline and fixed fee. Once accepted, we open a matter file, request the document list, and start work with a single point of contact — the founder.

Question 2

How long does a typical matter take?

Accepted Answer

Advisory notes and clause reviews are usually turned around in 3–5 working days. Filings and secretarial matters follow the statutory calendar. Tribunal and transactional matters run on their own procedural timelines, which we confirm at engagement and update as milestones move.

Question 3

What documents will you need from us?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum: the company's certificate of incorporation, MoA and AoA, latest financials, list of directors and shareholders, and any contracts or notices relevant to the matter. A detailed document checklist is shared with the engagement letter so nothing is asked for twice.

Question 4

What is the difference between legal and secretarial due diligence?

Accepted Answer

Secretarial due diligence focuses on corporate law and ROC compliance — filings, registers, board processes and shareholder matters. Legal due diligence is broader and covers contracts, litigation, IP, labour and regulatory approvals across statutes.

Question 5

How long does a due diligence exercise typically take?

Accepted Answer

For a mid-sized private company, a focused secretarial DD is usually completed in two to three weeks from receipt of the data room. A full legal DD, depending on scope, takes four to six weeks.

Question 6

What is a red-flag report?

Accepted Answer

A red-flag report is a short-form due diligence report highlighting only the material issues that would affect deal pricing, closing conditions or indemnity, rather than a full narrative review of every observation.

Question 7

Do you also assist with the seller-side data room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare vendor due diligence reports, help build and index the data room, and support the seller on Q&A management through to signing and closing.

Question 8

Can findings from due diligence be cured before closing?

Accepted Answer

Most secretarial findings — missed filings, condonations, register updates, register of significant beneficial owners — can be cured before closing. Our reports include a prioritised remediation memo with the applicable form, section and fee.

Question 9

Is due diligence necessary if the company has undergone secretarial audit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Secretarial audit is an annual assurance exercise, whereas due diligence is transaction-specific and covers the period from incorporation up to the diligence date. Both serve different purposes and are not substitutes for each other.

Due Diligence Audits