3 Tech Health Checks for Private Equity Acquisitions

March 20, 2024

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, it’s not just about the balance sheets… One of the real game-changers often lies in understanding the technology underpinning a company. This is where a tech health check becomes an important step for Private Equity firms. It’s more than due diligence; it’s a deep dive into the digital heartbeat of the investment.

Let’s explore 3 technology health indicators for savvy investor’s checklists:

1. What is the Organization's Cybersecurity Risk Profile?

A robust cybersecurity risk profile is the cornerstone of a company’s digital health. Assessing this involves examining the company’s cybersecurity policies, practices, and infrastructure. This evaluation helps in understanding how well-prepared the company is to defend against and respond to cyber threats, an essential factor in today’s digital business environment. Here are some items to consider:

Evaluation of Cybersecurity Policies & Practices:

Review the organization’s formal cybersecurity policies & practices along with their implementation effectiveness, employee awareness, and training programs.

Infrastructure Analysis:

Look into the cybersecurity infrastructure, including hardware and software tools, firewalls, antivirus programs, and intrusion detection systems.

Threat Vulnerability & Incident Response:

Assess the company’s history of cyber incidents, exposure to potential threats, its response strategies, and its ability to recover from security breaches.

Data Protection Measures:

Evaluate how the company protects sensitive data, including customer information, financial data, and intellectual property.

2. How Does Your Target Company's IT Infrastructure Measure Up in Terms of Quality, Scalability, and Modernity?

In assessing a potential acquisition’s IT infrastructure, it’s beneficial to consider aspects beyond basic functionality. This includes examining the quality, scalability, and modernity of their IT systems. Here are a few items to consider:

Hardware Assessment:

Assess the age, performance, and reliability of physical hardware components such as servers, workstations, and network devices.

Software and Applications Analysis:

Look into the software solutions in use, including enterprise systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and other critical applications.

Scalability and Future Growth:

Examine how well the current IT infrastructure can scale to meet future business needs and growth projections.

Modernization and Up-to-Date Technology:

Evaluate the use of modern technology and the frequency of updates to ensure the systems are not outdated.

Integration Capabilities:

Assess the ability of the current systems to integrate with new technologies, platforms, or systems, especially if mergers or expansions are planned.

Maintenance and Support Systems:

Review the maintenance processes, support structures, and current IT management practices.

3. What Does the Organization’s Incident Response & Management Plan Look Like?

Assessing IT infrastructure is about looking at the present and preparing for the future. When assessing an organization’s Incident Response & Management Plan, consider the following elements:

Scenario Planning and Testing:

Evaluate how the company prepares for various cyberattack scenarios, including regular testing and simulation exercises to assess the response plan’s effectiveness.

Integration with Overall Cybersecurity Strategy:

Examine how the incident response plan is integrated into the broader cybersecurity strategy of the organization.

Documentation and Record-Keeping:

Assess the procedures for documenting incidents and responses, which are crucial for post-incident reviews and compliance purposes.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

Look into how feedback from incident responses is used to continually improve and adapt the plan.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Consider how the plan involves different stakeholders within the organization, ensuring a coordinated response across departments.

Resilience and Adaptability:

Evaluate the plan’s resilience and adaptability to evolving cyber threats and changing business environments.

Partnerships and External Support:

Review any partnerships or external support systems in place, such as cybersecurity firms or insurance providers.

Conclusion

A deep dive into an organization’s cybersecurity risk profile, IT infrastructure, and incident response plan offers a helpful view of its technological strengths and vulnerabilities. This approach sheds light on its future potential and alignment with technological advancements. For Private Equity firms, these insights assist in navigating the complexities of modern acquisitions.

Wondering how to navigate this process? For Private Equity firms seeking a deeper understanding of potential investments, we are here to help!