Kirk Rice Blog

Case Study: Successful due diligence & ongoing outsourcing for an architect firmWritten on June 5, 2026 by Kirk Rice LLP

Key Points

• Kirk Rice carried out financial and tax due diligence for the sale of an internationally renowned specialist architect and engineering firm using existing reporting information.
• We created several new reports and processes for the purpose of the sale.
• Kirk Rice designed custom profit and loss reports to provide our client with a clear picture.
• Supported in managing data room information through the buyer’s due diligence process
• The firm’s directors were able to rely on us to provide accurate financial information and consult with all other parties involved, such as solicitors and stakeholders.
• Access to internal multi-disciplinary accountancy experts ensured consistency, accuracy, and speed of information back to our client.

The Client

An internationally renowned architect and engineering design firm who designs racetracks and driving courses.

The Challenge

An existing outsourced accountancy client informed us of their decision to sell their business. Due to our close relationship, we were confident we could provide the support required to take them through the financial due diligence process effectively and smoothly.

With tight turn around expectations, the key challenge was to ensure that ongoing financials were continually refreshed. Also, that the most recent financial data was provided in a timely manner alongside historic due diligence going back three years. In addition, needed to make sure that we continued to deliver their ongoing compliance services to a high standard.

The Approach

Amy, our Senior Outsourced Accounting Manager, attended a kick-off meeting with all parties involved. The goal was to agree timelines and the approach to be taken and firstly, around the data-room information.

• Data provision: We took a logical approach to labelling and uploading information into the draft data room to mirror the finance and tax request lists to ensure consistent tracking.

Several parties involved had access to the data-room, so we mitigated the risk of accidental deletion or moving of files by keeping a mirrored folder structure on our own drives of all files uploaded.

At the stage of going live we suggested a copy of all drafted documents (one approved by the client) to be collated into a dated folder to keep timeline and which files had been provided at what point clear. The client agreed with this approach and found it useful to trace earlier versions when being asked for additional documentation in the future.

In addition, we need to ensure that the below was delivered:

• Ongoing communication: Weekly teams calls and regular updates to requests lists within the data room ensured that no work was duplicated, and everyone had a clear understanding of their responsibilities. Additional requests from the buyers were answered in a timely manner and directors could review the due diligence progress at any given time.
• Access to multi-disciplinary internal tax & payroll experts: Financial due diligence requires information from not just the outsourcing team, but also our other departments, such as payroll, year-end, and taxation. The outsourcing team was able to liaise with these departments and keep the information flow to the directors consistent.
• Finalisation: As the process neared completion, the outsourcing team were able to make themselves available to ensure the usual monthly bookkeeping and management accounts continued to be prepared, providing the most accurate data at all times.

The Outcome

The client successfully sold their company, using a lot of the financial information supplied by Kirk Rice, all the while keeping their business running “as usual” with minimal disruption. This was largely due to the dual support from Kirk Rice: preparation for sale and continued outsourced accounting support.

Client Testimonial:

“Kirk Rice’s team have put in lots of challenging work and supported us through the last twelve months of the sale process. In particular in providing reliable and accurate information to complex due diligence queries, with quick response times”

Their detailed preparation, quality of work, attention to detail and continued support played a big role in the successful sale. I’m certain it reduced the stress levels, knowing we had a range of experts on-hand throughout.

We are grateful for the professionalism and time that Kirk Rice have put in to making our business a success”.

Ben, Client.

Why Kirk Rice?

This project demonstrates Kirk Rice’s collaboration, quality and flexibility to meet project deadlines and ensure that the requirement of the project is fully met. Kirk Rice has expertise across multiple departments, ensuring reliable information to all stakeholders involved:

• Outsourcing
• Taxation
• Payroll, year end
• Company secretarial

If you are preparing for a business sale or need support with due diligence reporting, get in touch with us via info@kirkrice.co.uk 

Please note: answers are given for general guidance only and specific advice should be taken before acting on any of the suggestions made. The information is based on current tax legislation which may change in future. The FCA does not regulate tax and trust advice.