Compleat Compliance: Due Diligence on Companies and Individuals
http://bir.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/24/4/245
  access restricted (by the publisher) to members/subscribers/customers only
  peer-reviewed

Ainsworth, Martin
Business Information Review
2007

Abstract:

Explains how recent legislation and the effects of corporate scandals have necessitated greater due diligence on companies and individuals. Gives details of relevant existing and forthcoming legislation and discusses how a due diligence process can ensure compliance with the law. Points out that prospective clients, employees and investors may all require investigation, and then reviews some of the information sources available for use in both corporate and individual investigations. Considers the impact of international developments, particularly in the light of increased merger and acquisition activity, and discusses some of the barriers to acquiring effective due diligence. Finally considers the applicability of selected commercial databases.