Assessing Acquisition Targets in Emerging Markets

Cross-border acquisitions in emerging markets often present opportunities that appear attractive on paper—but verifying their reality can be challenging. In environments where reporting standards vary and oversight is uneven, hidden liabilities and misrepresented performance are common. This session provides a structured approach for evaluating acquisition targets under conditions of limited visibility and heightened uncertainty.

The discussion focuses on practical methods for validating data, identifying inconsistencies, and understanding the local factors that affect both valuation and risk. Participants learn how to balance commercial enthusiasm with disciplined due diligence, ensuring that expansion decisions are grounded in fact rather than assumption.

Duration: 45–60 minutes · Virtual or in-person options available

What You Will Learn:

  • How to adapt due diligence practices to low-transparency or high-risk markets

  • Techniques for detecting financial or operational irregularities early

  • Key questions to guide legal, regulatory, and cultural risk review

  • How to evaluate management credibility and local partner dynamics

  • Frameworks for determining when to proceed, pause, or walk away

Who This Session Is For:

  • Founders and executive teams pursuing acquisitions or market-entry through purchase

  • Investors and boards overseeing international expansion or portfolio growth

  • Advisors and consultants supporting cross-border transaction diligence

  • Accelerators and business networks offering guidance on sustainable expansion

About the Presenter

John Cobb is an advisor and founder of Pholus Advisory, a firm that supports organizations operating in complex or rapidly changing environments. His work focuses on governance, decision-making under uncertainty, and market-entry strategy across Latin America, Africa, and emerging markets worldwide. Parkstone Associates coordinates access to his sessions for qualified organizations.

How To Book This Session

This advisor manages their own session bookings directly. To schedule, click the link below to contact them through their booking page. When making your request, please mention Parkstone Associates so your inquiry can be prioritized appropriately.

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