Negotiating audit duration
The client wants fewer audit days. Audit duration under IAF MD 5 leaves little room, and DAkkS checks it.
Your day-to-day, as we know it
This is what happens in your business before anyone talks about succession
Following up on nonconformities
After the audit, corrective actions are missing. Without evidence there is no certificate, and the deadline is running.
Auditors are fully booked
In spring and fall, appointments pile up. One sick auditor postpones several surveillance audits at once.
DAkkS witness audit
The assessment ties up management and auditors. Competence records and evaluation files must be complete.
How we measure your company
The metrics we look at in the first call
We look at the numbers you use to run your business yourself. The right column shows our acquisition criterion.
| Metric | What it tells us | Our benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Active certificates by standard | Shows your recurring audit base for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 or IFS. | Good from 100 active certificates. |
| Qualified auditors per scope | Shows whether the competence depends on the owner. | We look for at least 2 people. |
| Client retention through recertification | Shows how many clients stay after three years. | Development over the last two cycles. |
| Audit days per auditor per year | Shows utilization and bottlenecks in the team. | Split between employed and freelance auditors. |
| Nonconformities from DAkkS assessments | Shows the quality of your procedures and the risk to the accreditation. | Open and closed, last two assessments. |
What actually changes after the acquisition
Step by step
We automate the desk work. Professional decisions and customer contact stay with your people.
TodayWrite the audit report from notes
With GTPFindings and references to the standard become a draft report. The auditor writes the assessment and recommendation.
TodayCalculate audit duration under IAF MD 5
With GTPThe calculation is based on headcount, sites and risk. The head of the body checks additions and reductions.
TodayCollect corrective actions and send reminders
With GTPDeadlines and evidence run automatically. The auditor assesses effectiveness.
TodayAudit planning across the three-year cycle
With GTPDates are suggested by due date and qualification. The body decides on the assignment.
Your systems stay in use:IFS DatabaseIAF CertSearchBAFA energy audit portal
AI potential in the segment
How much desk work can really be automated here
This is GTP's assessment. We show it upfront so you can see what we will work with after the acquisition.
Audit report from notes
A language model turns audit notes and evidence into the draft report, and the auditor checks and signs it.
Checking against the standard before the audit
The document check automatically compares the manual and evidence with the standard and flags open points.
Plan cycles and dates
Planning logic distributes surveillance audits, auditor competence and travel routes across the three-year cycle.
What limits the technology here
The accreditation lies with the body, impartiality and the audit judgment stay with qualified auditors, and the use of technology in the audit is agreed in advance.
What this means for you
Your value lies in accreditation and cycles, and that is exactly what we look at first.
Sources IAF MD 4:2023: use of information and communication technology for auditing and assessment purposes, to be agreed in advance and documented in the report (2023)
What we want to see
The documents we need
After the first call, these five documents are enough for an indicative offer. On request, we sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) first.
- Accreditation certificate with annex and scopes
- Certificate list with standard, due date and audit scope
- Reports of the last DAkkS assessments with measures
- Qualification matrix of auditors per scope
- Contracts with freelance auditors and audit hourly rates
What we buy
Our acquisition profile for this segment
Criteria
- Competence in the team, not tied to a single person
- At least 100 active certificates or inspection contracts
- EBITDA €0.5m to €5m
- Churn below 10%
Value drivers
- Several accredited auditors
- Clients in the three-year cycle with a renewal history
- Digital audit documentation
Value reducers
- Only two accredited auditors
- High share of project audits
- Independence conflicts with consulting
How you can tell we know your business
Three facts you can quote
- 01ISO management system certificates are valid for three years with an annual surveillance audit.
- 02Energy audits under the EDL-G are mandatory for non-SMEs every four years.
- 03Organic inspection bodies inspect organic businesses at least once a year under the EU organic regulation.
From enterprise value to cash
Enterprise value is not the payout. What reaches your account depends on four items:
- Net financial debt
- Loans, leases and shareholder accounts are deducted, cash is added.
- Working capital
- We assume a normal level. An account emptied before the sale reduces the price.
- Investment backlog
- Vehicles, measuring equipment and software due in the next two years are deducted from the price.
- Payment structure
- Part of the price is paid only after signing, through a rollover or a performance-based component.
What lowers the value
If one of these points applies, the value drops:
- The owner personally holds the key customers
- Short remaining terms or contracts that can be terminated at any time
- If a large share of revenue depends on one customer, the price goes down.
- No second management level that runs the business without the owner
We calculate your value in the first call using your numbers. We go through the four items openly with you, even if the result is below your expectations.
All market data and the regulatory timeline for compliance, testing and certification
Frequently asked questions
What owners in this segment ask
Is the accreditation lost in a sale?
In a share deal, it remains in place because it lies with the company. You apply to DAkkS for any changes. An asset deal does not carry the accreditation over.
Will you then consult and certify together?
No. Independence is a condition of accreditation. Certification stays separate from consulting.
Why no market data on this page?
Because we have not yet researched the segment with reliable sources. We do not state any figure we cannot back up.
How fast?
The process has five steps. 1. Confidential enquiry. We usually reply within 72 hours. 2. First call. 30 minutes with a Managing Partner. 3. Indicative offer. Within 2 to 4 weeks, under NDA if you wish. 4. Due diligence and contract. Closing usually 6 to 9 months after the first call. 5. Handover. You stay on as managing director for 6 to 24 months. The accreditation check is part of step 4.
Compliance, testing and certification
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Why we buy this segment
Your clients have obligations to meet, and your business makes sure they do. We buy businesses that do this reliably. Professional responsibility stays with the people who carry it today.
I am responsible for the purchase agreement and the handover. For businesses that need a license or accreditation, the deal structure decides whether the approval survives the change of ownership.
For M&A advisors, tax advisors and succession advisors
Response on your client usually within 72 hours
Acquisition profile, teaser metrics and our commitments for all 24 segments are on a separate page. We only approach your client through you.
First step
Talk to a buyer who knows your segment
A 30-minute call is enough to know whether we fit. Afterwards you get a written assessment with reasons.
Request a confidential first call
Or call us: +49 40 89741812
ConfidentialOur Managing Partners and our investment team read your enquiry. We treat it confidentially. An NDA is possible in advance on request.