ansarada research highlights security challenges facing industry

Almost three quarters (71 per cent) of UK executives involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) admitted that their deals have been delayed due to a loss of critical data. This includes the temporary or permanent loss of information located in documents, emails, devices and IT systems.

The industry research, carried out by ansarada, a dedicated virtual data room provider for M&A deals, found that these data losses accounted for deals being delayed by an average of 12 days.

The research also found that more than one in 10 dealmakers (11 per cent) were not certain that their data was secure while trying to close deals during 2015.

ansarada’s research, which asked 520 bankers, lawyers, consultants and accountants specialising in M&A, highlighted the barriers faced by the industry when it comes to closing deals efficiently and on time.

With the most recent figures (2014) suggesting that 339 deals worth £256bn collapsed – the highest number since 2008 – ansarada is highlighting how the industry can reduce delays in M&A activity.

“Considering the sensitive nature of M&A deals, it’s alarming to think that ‘data-loss’ remains such a big issue for the industry,” says Stephen Dearing, MD of EMEA, ansarada. “With recent advancements in technology and security policies, dealmakers should be in complete control of the information they need to close a deal efficiently and to a tight deadline.”

To help the deals across all industries remain secure and on track, ansarada offers four top tips for dealmakers