4. Our advice

4.1 Pay close attention to the objectives of reputational due diligence

Reputations take decades to build. But this intangible capital can be dilapidated by a cyber-attack in the space of a few e-mails. Even if it's not on your books, it's an irreplaceable asset. So, keep an eye on it by keeping an eye on your uncertain and fluctuating environment, by regularly monitoring your competitors, or companies you might buy out, for example, and by carrying out compliance studies.

The main aims of reputational due diligence are to verify legal and ethical compliance, assess reputational risks, analyze financial strength and criminal records, before mapping the company's relational and structural networks.

This process is crucial to protecting...