The glossary to understand and take action

Acquisition audit

A targeted review of a company before its acquisition, to understand its situation and the risks of the transaction.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

The scope may cover accounts, tax, contracts, employees and other commitments. It depends on the transaction and the information accessible. It helps with decision-making, negotiation and preparing the transition; it does not guarantee the absence of risk and should not be confused with the statutory audit of accounts.

In your file

What this changes in practice

An acquisition audit examines a target before a transaction, within an agreed scope: finances, tax, contracts, employment matters or other risks. It does not guarantee the absence of any issue and does not replace the negotiation of contractual protections. The conclusions must distinguish verified facts, documentary limitations and possible consequences for the price or conditions of the transaction.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A buyer discovers a high concentration of customers and old receivables. It analyses their effect on valuation and on the guarantees to be negotiated.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Définir le périmètre de la revue
  • Documenter les limites d’information
  • Relier les constats à la négociation

The practical question

Find out more

Comment utiliser les conclusions d’un audit d’acquisition ?

Reliez chaque constat à son effet possible : prix, financement, garantie, condition préalable ou action après reprise. Distinguez les anomalies confirmées des points non vérifiés faute de documents. Un rapport n’est utile que si les décideurs comprennent ses limites et les suites à donner. Les questions ouvertes doivent être traitées avant l’engagement lorsque leur enjeu le justifie.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

Aged trial balanceA statement that allocates receivables or payables by age at a given date, in order to organise their monitoring.Doubtful receivableA receivable whose recovery involves uncertainty that must be examined and documented.Approval for the transfer of sharesApproval required for certain transfers of shares to a new shareholder.Competition AuthorityThe Competition Authority ensures compliance with competition rules in Luxembourg within its area of competence. In particular, it investigates and sanctions anti-competitive practices.Working capital requirement (WCR)The working capital requirement (WCR) measures the financing absorbed by the operating cycle, notably inventory and receivables, less operating liabilities.Balance sheetThe balance sheet presents, at a given date, the company's assets and the resources or obligations financing them.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideTaking over a business: preparing the accounting and tax review

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.