Open source is finding its way into virtually all software products, whether open or closed source. While there are many benefits that come with open source, there are also complications for would-be acquirers of companies that almost certainly have incorporated open source into their products. 

This session is designed to address the issues that arise from M&A in an open source world, including:

• What is at stake and why do acquirers and investors conduct open source diligence?
• What can startups or potential targets do to prepare, in order to avoid delay and potential embarrassment?
• What are the elements of a typical open source diligence process?
• What diligence methods have proven effective and which are less effective?
• How does open source diligence fit into the context of the overall transaction?
• How is diligence in M&A typically different from diligence in a venture financing?
• When diligence reveals open source issues, how are they typically handled