Before entering a strategic partnership, a company needs a clear understanding of whom it plans to work with and sufficient verified information to assess potential risks.
A European defence company approached Smartsolutions while considering cooperation with Ukrainian MilTech manufacturers.
Several large Ukrainian manufacturers had been shortlisted for further assessment. Smartsolutions lawyers conducted OSINT research on the candidates, provided legal and analytical support, and assisted the client in preparing for negotiations.
The project was delivered in strategic partnership with Miltton Ukraine, an international consultancy supporting clients with communications, stakeholder relations, public affairs and market entry.
The task: screen potential partners before negotiations
Ukraine’s defence sector continues to attract international companies and create opportunities for cooperation between Ukrainian and European defence industries. In 2026, the European Commission further advanced EU–Ukraine industrial cooperation in the drone and counter-drone field through the Drone Alliance with Ukraine.
Official source: European Commission — Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security
For an international company considering such a partnership, understanding a prospective counterparty and the factors that may affect future cooperation is an important part of the decision-making process.
Smartsolutions was engaged to carry out OSINT-based and legal-analytical screening of the shortlisted companies and to prepare the client for subsequent negotiations. The manufacturers’ names, the findings of the screening and the information obtained remain confidential.
OSINT and Due Diligence of Prospective Partners
Each candidate was assessed individually. The scope and focus of the research depended on the company, its history and the information available in open sources.
The lawyers collected and analysed open-source and legally relevant information. Depending on the candidate, the review could cover corporate and registration data, ownership structure and related parties, business history and connections, court records, open-source publications and other historical factors relevant to a potential partnership.
The OSINT research helped structure available data, cross-check information from different sources and identify factors the client should consider before making a business decision.
The findings were then used in preparation for negotiations.
Outcome
Following the candidate screening and the negotiation process, the client selected one Ukrainian manufacturer for the partnership.
The final decision remained with the client. The OSINT research and legal-analytical work performed by Smartsolutions provided additional information for assessing the shortlisted candidates and preparing for negotiations.
Planning to screen a potential partner or counterparty in Ukraine?
Smartsolutions conducts legal and analytical screening of prospective partners and counterparties, uses OSINT research to collect and analyse relevant information, and supports clients in preparing for negotiations.
If your company needs partner due diligence in Ukraine before making a business decision, contact Smartsolutions to discuss the appropriate format of legal and analytical support.
FAQ
What information can be reviewed during an OSINT investigation of a company?
Залежно від завдання можуть аналізуватися корпоративні та реєстраційні дані, структура власності, пов’язані особи, історія діяльності, судова інформація, публікації у відкритих джерелах та інші факти, що можуть впливати на оцінку потенційної співпраці.
When should a company screen a prospective partner or counterparty?
Таку перевірку доцільно проводити перед стратегічним партнерством, значущою угодою, інвестицією, виходом на новий ринок або початком співпраці з новою компанією, коли для рішення важливо мати ширшу інформаційну картину.
How does OSINT research differ from a standard counterparty check?
OSINT-дослідження дає змогу ширше проаналізувати відкритий інформаційний контекст навколо компанії та пов’язаних із нею осіб. У поєднанні з юридичним аналізом воно допомагає виявити фактори, які можуть бути важливими для переговорів і подальшого бізнес-рішення.
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