This includes the temporary or permanent loss of information located in documents, emails, devices and IT systems. The research found that these data losses accounted for deals being delayed by an average of 12 days. Furthermore, executives are not the only ones fearing for data while trying to close deals – more than one in 10 dealmakers (11 per cent) were not certain that their data was secure while trying to close deals during 2015.

The report is based on answers given during 2015 from 520 bankers, lawyers, consultants and accountants specialising in M&A.

The most recent year for which figures are available (2014) show that 339 deals worth £256bn collapsed – the highest number since 2008.  

‘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.’

ansarada’s executive advises businesses what to do in order to stay safe:

• Make sure you run your Q&A process through the data room. Using emails to conduct your Q&A could lead to breaches of confidentiality and information around negotiations being leaked. Keep your Q&A in one secure and auditable environment.
• Ensure you implement your document security and permissions before bidders enter the data room. Planning enables a seamless bidder experience and allows you to keep complete control of your documentation.
• To prevent document leaks, ensure that deal documents have a dynamic watermark on them which keeps individuals accountable for the security of the documents in their possession.
• Enable flexibility by applying functionality that allows you to revoke access to saved documents at any time.