Finding the right partners — and avoiding the wrong ones
Entering Asian markets often requires local partners.
Choosing the wrong partner is one of the most common and costly mistakes organisations make.
Eastern Bridge supports organisations to identify, assess, and engage with partners in a structured, risk-aware way — before commitments are made.
At a glance
- For organisations seeking distributors, agents, partners, or investors
- Focus on legitimacy, fit, and long-term viability
- Relationship-based, not transactional
- Reduces exposure to scams, time-wasters, and misalignment
- Delivered through trusted in-market networks
Why partner selection matters
In many Asian markets:
- Relationships precede transactions
- Trust is built over time, not contracts alone
- Appearances can be misleading
- Online approaches are frequently unreliable
A poor partner choice can result in:
- Reputational damage
- Financial loss
- Regulatory exposure
- Years of wasted effort
Partner identification must be deliberate, cautious, and well-informed.
Who this service is for
This service is suitable for:
- Organisations seeking in-market representation
- Exporters looking for distributors or agents
- Businesses approached by overseas buyers or investors
- Boards requiring independent verification
- Organisations without established Asian networks
It is particularly valuable before signing:
- Distribution agreements
- Joint venture arrangements
- Investment or agency contracts
What this service includes
Partner identification and introductions
Eastern Bridge:
- Identifies potential partners aligned with your objectives
- Leverages trusted relationship-based networks
- Avoids cold, speculative introductions
- Facilitates initial engagement where appropriate
Introductions are made cautiously and only where there is a reasonable prospect of alignment.
Light due diligence services
Initial verification may include:
- Confirmation of company legitimacy
- Review of operating history
- Ownership and management background checks
- Identification of early warning signs
This is not full legal due diligence, but an early-stage risk screen.
Relationship vetting and fit assessment
Assessment of:
- Strategic alignment
- Commercial expectations
- Decision-making authority
- Time horizons and intent
This helps organisations understand whether a relationship is likely to be productive — not just possible.
How this service is delivered
This service is delivered through:
- In-market research and verification
- Direct engagement with potential partners
- Written briefings and risk summaries
- Advisory discussions with leadership teams
All work is tailored to the organisation and context.
What this service does not do
This service does not:
- Guarantee partner performance
- Replace legal, financial, or regulatory due diligence
- Recommend proceeding where risks outweigh benefits
Eastern Bridge will advise against engagement where concerns are identified.
Fees and commercial terms
Partnership Identification & Due Diligence services are delivered under a fee-paid commercial agreement.
- Scope is agreed in advance
- Fees reflect the number of partners assessed and depth of work
- Pricing is discussed directly and not published publicly
This work is undertaken independently and is not subsidised by community partnerships.
When to use this service
This service is most useful when:
- You are approached unexpectedly by overseas parties
- You are under pressure to move quickly
- You lack direct in-market knowledge
- A board or investor requires verification
- A previous partnership has failed