This book brings together practical information on legislation, primary sources, codes and best practice guidance in one volume. A practical handbook for business directors who wish to minimise financial, legal and reputational risks, it combines all matters concerning corporate governance with due diligence issues and in doing so provides you with the information and tools you need to help you protect your business when under taking due diligence, particularly when making international acquisitions. This book provides clear guidance and case studies to help all involved understand the complexity of issues and to demonstrate the detailed work that is necessary both to ensure that the benefits of an acquisition can be realised and that there are no unexpected problems, for example through damage to corporate reputation that more that offsets the targeted benefits.As high profile business failures tarnish the reputation of international business it is essential that business responds by having the policies and practices in place in day-to-day operations and in particular, as this book demonstrates, when a major business development such as an acquisition is being implemented. Following the initial era of codes in the UK and regulation in the USA and major debates as regards the best approach to corporate governance in the common law countries, controversy has developed over which approach is really more appropriate for business planning purposes and risk management.