The value in data: corporate transactions

Data is playing an increasingly prominent role in corporate transactions, particularly in global mergers and acquisitions. Many target companies are “data-rich” and the data that they generate, and hold, can have substantial value as a business asset. Purchasers are looking beyond just personal data and customer lists; they are examining, and interrogating, the wider gamut of data particularly where it can accelerate their own position in a chosen market.

From a seller’s perspective, the value of the data it holds is likely to influence the sale price and also the extent of the warranties a buyer will demand of it. Ostensibly, data may seem more “valuable” if the seller can show that it is protected – even indirectly –  as an intangible asset.

We discuss some of the key data considerations for M&A transactions in our article "The value in data: corporate transactions".