Financial due diligence is a central component of acquisition processes - also when buying small and medium-sized companies. The aim is to provide the prospective buyer with an overview of the financial situation as well as the earning power of the target object and to show which financial risks can be transferred to the potential buyer. Typically, these risks are not immediately apparent as they are concealed in contingent liabilities, bank covenants or loss orders with customers. A careful analysis is therefore essential.