XpertDPO delivers the clarity, structure, and credibility needed for data protection due diligence in high-value M&A and corporate transactions.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis

Find the red flags before the regulator or the buyer does.

We conduct deep risk reviews to identify unresolved complaints, consent gaps, data transfer risks, or exposure from legacy systems.
Insurance - xpertdpo

Make your documentation defensible.

From Records of Processing Activities to DPIAs and vendor contracts, we assess whether the right records exist, and whether they would stand up to scrutiny.
Specialised Consultants - xpertdpo

Support the deal team with credible answers.

We translate regulatory issues into commercial impact, helping legal, financial, and strategy teams understand what matters, what’s fixable, and what’s a deal-breaker.
Framework Development & Implementation - xpertdpo

Benchmark and score GDPR maturity.

Our structured tools provide a fast, evidence-based view of GDPR posture, mapped to deal timelines and tailored to the transaction’s scope.
Med Tech - xpertdpo

Protect stakeholder and reputational confidence.

We identify privacy issues that could damage trust with users, employees, or investors if discovered post-transaction.
Ongoing Monitoring & Reporting - xpertdpo

Move quickly without sacrificing quality.

Whether you’re working against exclusivity windows or regulator response deadlines, we bring the depth and pace required for corporate-grade due diligence.

Why Choose XpertDPO for Data Protection Due Diligence in Corporate Transactions?

In high-value transactions, data protection risks can delay, devalue, or derail a deal. XpertDPO brings legal-adjacent insight, regulatory alignment, and proven due diligence experience to help you uncover hidden exposures, strengthen the data protection posture, and present a defensible compliance position to buyers, regulators, or acquirers. Whether you’re preparing for sale, advising a client, or evaluating a potential target, we help you move fast, with clarity and credibility.

Our difference:

01

M&A due diligence experience, not generic audits.

We’ve supported buy- and sell-side data protection due diligence for private equity, tech firms, SaaS companies, and medtech platforms across Europe, the UK, Switzerland, and the U.S.

02

Legal-aligned, regulator-aware risk framing.

Our reviews align with relevant frameworks, GDPR, Schrems II, Article 32, 35, and 30, while addressing commercial relevance, so you get findings that legal, compliance, and deal teams can act on.

03

Practical insight for sellers under pressure.

We help prepare the documentation, remediation plans, and narrative sellers need to satisfy due diligence inquiries and avoid surprises at closing.

04

Support for pre-deal, in-deal, and post-deal phases.

From red-flag reviews to full privacy integration roadmaps, we support every stage of the transaction lifecycle with actionable advice.

05

Clear prioritisation of high-risk issues.

Our findings are structured to highlight critical exposures so you know what must be fixed, what can be explained, and what poses future risk.

06

Embedded support for DPOs and advisors.

We partner with your DPO, legal counsel, and M&A advisors to deliver seamless input and support across disciplines.

07

Trusted by DPOs, law firms, and strategic buyers.

Our work is relied on by data protection officers, M&A teams, and compliance leaders across sectors, helping clients secure deals and demonstrate accountability.

XpertDPO Data Protection Due Diligence Support is built for corporate transactions, providing strategic, risk-based insight into GDPR exposure, compliance posture, and remediation priorities, so buyers, sellers, and advisors can move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.

Our Proven Approach

When data protection risks are overlooked during M&A, they don’t disappear, they become inherited liabilities. XpertDPO’s due diligence model identifies real-world exposure across privacy, security, governance, and risk, enabling smarter, safer corporate transactions.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

Scope the deal’s data protection risk early

We start with a rapid risk review of the target’s data processing activities, jurisdictions, and red flag indicators so you understand exposure before deep dive or legal engagement.
Framework Development & Implementation

Map key GDPR assets and exposures

We identify and assess critical compliance artefacts, RoPAs, policies, DPIAs, contracts, consents, and technical safeguards to evaluate posture, completeness, and operational reality.
Flexibility - xpertdpo

Test legal basis and cross-border transfers

We scrutinise lawful basis for high-risk processing and review international transfer mechanisms (SCCs, TIAs, BCRs) to uncover misalignments with Article 6, 9, 44–49.
Insurance - xpertdpo

Evaluate documentation and audit trail quality

We examine the target’s GDPR records, governance processes, and decision logs for credibility, version control, and regulatory resilience in the event of enforcement.
Med Tech - xpertdpo

Highlight red flags and deal blockers

We provide a concise risk register, highlighting must-fix items, risk severity, remediation feasibility, and what may affect the deal timeline, integration, or valuation.
Knowledge & Expertise - xpertdpo

Deliver actionable recommendations post-close

Where required, we support post-acquisition integration by aligning frameworks, closing gaps, and ensuring the acquired entity is fit for ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Key Services Included in Data Protection Due Diligence for Corporate M&A

Data Protection Risk Scoping for M&A

Targeted pre-deal risk review to identify high-risk processing, sensitive data types, or international transfers that may create legal exposure or integration obstacles.
01

GDPR Readiness Assessment

Structured audit of the target’s GDPR posture, aligned to key Articles (5, 6, 9, 30, 32, 35, 44–49), assessing both declared and operational compliance.
02

RoPA and Policy Review

Review and evaluation of Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), privacy policies, and internal documentation for completeness, currency, and legal defensibility.
03

International Data Transfers and SCC Validation

Validation of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), Transfer Impact Assessments (TIAs), and third-country transfer mechanisms to flag regulatory weaknesses.
04

Lawful Basis and DPIA Analysis

Assessment of legal bases for processing, with a focus on special category data, AI/profiling, or high-risk activity that may require a DPIA under Article 35.
05

Vendor and Sub-Processor Chain Review

Analysis of existing vendor contracts and sub-processor relationships to identify gaps in Article 28 compliance and data processing agreements.
06

Data Security and Breach Risk Posture

Review of technical and organisational measures (TOMs) and breach history to assess vulnerability exposure and alignment with Article 32.
07

Deal Risk Register and Red Flag Report

Actionable, executive-level summary of key data protection risks, prioritised by likelihood, impact, and materiality to inform commercial strategy and negotiation.
08

Integration Readiness Advisory

Support for transition planning post-acquisition: aligning privacy frameworks, closing inherited gaps, and unifying policies, systems, and governance.
09

Article 5–30 Compliance Validation

Systematic testing of core GDPR principles including transparency, data minimisation, retention, accountability, and controller-processor role clarity.
10

What Our Clients Say About Data Protection Due Diligence for Corporate M&A

We support legal teams, acquirers, and executives preparing for or responding to data protection risks in corporate transactions, from mid-market mergers to cross-border acquisitions. Whether your priority is GDPR red flag discovery, due diligence gap remediation, or post-deal alignment, XpertDPO brings structured insight, legal-aligned clarity, and regulator-aware risk control. Here’s how our clients describe the difference we make:

"We needed to close off outstanding regulator queries before acquisition. XpertDPO stepped in, coordinated engagement with the authority, helped us finalise DSAR remediation, and documented a defensible audit trail. Their clarity and pace helped keep the deal on track."

— Head of Legal, EU-based Health Tech Startup

"XpertDPO helped us understand where real GDPR risk existed and what was just noise. Their due diligence report gave us clear, prioritised actions and made it easier to push back on commercial terms that didn’t reflect the real compliance posture."

— Corporate Partner, M&A Law Firm

"We were on a tight acquisition timeline and needed fast, expert review of RoPA, SCCs, and DPIAs across three jurisdictions. The team at XpertDPO delivered exactly what we needed, concise insights, deal-aligned, and regulator-ready."

— Global Privacy Officer, Medical Device Vendor

Trusted by in-house counsel, transaction teams, and data protection leaders across regulated industries, XpertDPO helps you turn compliance complexity into strategic advantage, before, during, and after the deal.

Data Protection Due Diligence: Choosing the Right Support Partner

Data protection issues can derail a deal or become opportunities to clarify value, protect position, and streamline integration. But not all due diligence approaches are built to handle GDPR risk, cross-border complexity, or real-world operational realities.

In-house teams may lack bandwidth or transactional experience. Consultants may flag issues but miss regulatory nuance, leaving legal teams with vague risks and no clear remediation path. XpertDPO brings deep regulatory experience, legal-adjacent clarity, and deal-focused pragmatism, helping you protect value, clarify obligations, and close with confidence.

Feature / Factor In-House DPO / Compliance Consultant XpertDPO M&A Due Diligence
GDPR-specific due diligence methodology ⚠️ ⚠️ ✔️
Practical risk ratings and remediation advice ⚠️ ✔️
Cross-border data transfer and Article 28/SCC review ⚠️ ✔️
Transaction-aware reporting (pre-deal vs post-deal priorities) ⚠️ ✔️
Support for ROPA, policy, DPIA and contract analysis ⚠️ ⚠️ ✔️
Regulatory engagement or audit risk advisory ⚠️ ✔️
Aligned to M&A legal team deliverables ⚠️ ✔️
Operational insight on security and governance risk ⚠️ ✔️
Fast-turnaround, deal-paced delivery ⚠️ ⚠️ ✔️
Ongoing support through integration or sale ⚠️ ✔️

XpertDPO’s Due Diligence Services aren’t just about finding risk, they’re about protecting value. We speak your language, understand the deal landscape, and help you make clear, defensible decisions that stand up to regulators, boards, and buyers.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

What is data protection due diligence in the context of M&A?

It’s the process of identifying GDPR and privacy-related risks associated with a target company’s data practices, security controls, and legal obligations, before or during a corporate transaction. This helps acquirers and legal teams assess liabilities, valuation impacts, and post-close compliance obligations.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis

Why does GDPR compliance matter during a corporate acquisition?

A target’s non-compliance can expose the acquiring entity to fines, remediation costs, loss of trust, or regulatory enforcement. Issues like unlawful processing, missing consents, or insecure international transfers can materially affect deal strategy or post-deal operations.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

What kind of risks can XpertDPO identify during due diligence?

We identify gaps in RoPA and DPIA documentation, unlawful processing bases, third-party transfer risks (SCCs/TIAs), outdated privacy policies, unresolved DSAR complaints, and poor security measures, among others. We prioritise risks based on severity and deal relevance.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

What documentation do you typically review during a GDPR due diligence engagement?

We assess data protection policies, privacy notices, Records of Processing Activities (RoPA), Data Processing Agreements (DPAs), DPIAs, TIAs, breach logs, vendor contracts, and internal compliance reports.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

How is your due diligence work structured for fast-moving deals?

We offer red flag reports for early-stage reviews and full GDPR risk assessments for deeper evaluations. Our outputs are prioritised, executive-ready, and aligned with legal timelines and disclosure needs.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

Does XpertDPO support both buy-side and sell-side due diligence?

Yes. We assist acquirers with discovery and risk validation, and we help sellers prepare credible documentation, remediate gaps, and respond to buyer inquiries confidently.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

Can you help with international data transfer risks in due diligence?

Absolutely. We assess use of Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), adequacy decisions, BCRs, and related transfer mechanisms, including risk under Schrems II and the UK/EU data frameworks.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

How do you work with solicitors and legal counsel during a transaction?

We support legal teams by identifying and contextualising privacy risks in plain language. Our reports can feed into warranties, disclosures, and schedules, and we provide technical backup when regulators or boards require clarity.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

Can XpertDPO assist post-acquisition with privacy integration?

Yes. We help unify policies, close inherited compliance gaps, align data flows, and support the transition to the acquirer’s privacy framework, reducing post-deal risk and strengthening governance.

Initial Compliance Audit & Gap Analysis - xpertdpo

What sectors do you typically support in GDPR due diligence?

We work with SaaS companies, medtech and health firms, education providers, financial services, and public sector bodies, especially in cross-border or high-risk environments. Our reports are tailored by sector and legal context.

Need clarity on data protection risk before the deal closes?

Whether you're advising a client, preparing for acquisition, or selling a data-rich business, XpertDPO delivers actionable due diligence that identifies GDPR risks before they become deal issues. Our regulator-aware, transaction-ready approach supports confident disclosures, cleaner closings, and faster post-deal integration.
XpertDPO