Merrill Datasite

DataSite offers a set of powerful VDR-integrated software solutions and extra features to streamline M&A deals.

DataSite data room

The DataSite virtual data room is a secure file repository and a workflow environment for buyers and sellers. It has the following features:

Smart file upload and drag and drop functionality. You can upload multiple files in a few clicks. Drag and drop DOCX, XLSX, PDF documents, and other files to the data room. You can also upload zip files up to 50 GB each. 
The system supports over 200 file formats, reducing your data room preparation time. Additionally, you can use a Project Inbox feature that allows your partners to upload email attachments to your data room directories using custom email addresses.

AI-powered categorization and indexing. The DataSite AI will help you allocate files and build a data room index. There is no need to add file categories manually – all you need to do is confirm suggested ones.

Quick OCR document search. DataSite’s optical character recognition search tool allows you to find necessary folders, files, and specific content pieces within the documents. It supports 16 languages, allowing multinational teams to benefit from the data room.

AI-powered redaction and sensitive data NLP. Datasite streamlines due diligence thanks to the built-in automated redaction tool, allowing you to redact text and images in the data room in real-time. The AI uses natural language processing to identify names, email addresses, and other data sets and save time on due diligence. Plus, you can undo changes in seconds, restoring previous file versions. Besides, DataSite offers redaction insights with color-coded graphs to track due diligence processes within your team. You can track document redaction status in real-time.

Granular user permissions. You can control user permissions to the document level, manage user rights, and assign content roles (admins, moderators, experts, etc.). Send email invitations to unlimited users and add them through single sign-on (SSO).

Full control over user rights and permissions. You can rest assured that confidential documents will remain safe with DataSite security controls that allow you to:

• Restrict users from accessing individual documents, folders, subfolders, and projects
• Control user rights regarding files and directories – view, save, delete, rename, edit, etc. 
• Apply customizable watermarks
• Manage permission groups
• Create, assign, and define access permissions for user roles
• Revoke access to downloaded documents
• Enable automatic password resets
• Enable multi-factor authentication

Sophisticated analytics. The data room generates visual analytics reports that categorize engagement by document, folder, and project. You can check user activity, login history, file version history, engagement statistics by date, business direction, etc. The system refreshes data every 15 minutes. Plus, you can schedule reports and export them in multiple formats, including CSV and XLSX.

Integrated Q&A. DataSite’s Q&A management system allows you to categorize Q&A sections, set workflow levels, and assign question coordinators. DataSite offers an intuitive, messenger-like layout for submitting and answering questions, as well as linking documents and sending attachments.

Cross-platform compatibility. You can deploy the data room on all existing operating systems and devices – it’s compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. You can run its web version in your desktop browser and download full-fledged mobile apps for iOS and Android.

DataSite Outreach

DataSite Outreach is a dedicated marketing solution integrated into the DataSite VDR that helps businesses connect and communicate with investors.

This solution allows you to manage deal documents, track buyers, bulk email investors, and analyze your projects’ dynamics.

DataSite Acquire

DataSite Acquire is a dedicated solution for buy-side projects that helps you manage agreements, complete transactions, track due diligence processes, and generate in-depth engagement reports. Plus, you can keep all deal-related findings in one place.

DataSite Experience

DataSite Experience is a help center that connects industry experts with customers who want to grasp M&A processes, fundraising specifics, market opportunities, and more.

User dashboard that defines ease of use. The DataSite suite has a user-friendly interface – a header with central VDR functions, a working space in the center, a self-explanatory menu to the left, etc.

Industry-leading security practices. DataSite applies the latest technology to protect your confidential documents across its virtual data rooms. In particular, it does the following:

• Applies two-factor authentication encryption using cryptographic hash algorithms
• Protects data exchange with a TLS 1.2 protocol
• Encrypts data room files with AES 256-bit encryption
• Analyzes activity within the data room 24/7
• Backups data regularly
• Enables industry-leading security features to its data centers

DataSite provides tools for the full deal cycle – from preparation and marketing to successful deal closure. Moreover, DataSite offers a reliable environment for both sell-side and buy-side parties of the M&A process. This flexible software will suit businesses of any size – small and mid-market companies or large multinational enterprises.

While various industries can benefit from DataSite, its solutions lean toward energy, financial, healthcare and life sciences, private equity, and real estate sectors. Banks, law firms, and others use DataSite for M&A deals, post-merger integration, capital raising, restructuring, IPO, deal marketing, etc.

Merrill DataSite complies with the following standards and certification programs:

• ISO 27001. It’s an international standard that defines cybersecurity measures and their implementation processes.
• ISO 27017. This globally-recognized standard defines cloud-specific cybersecurity practices.
• ISO 27018. This standard determines confidential information safety measures within cloud-based services.
• SOC 2 Type II. It’s a recognizable standard that applies to businesses that process sensitive information.
• FedRAMP. This US government standard evaluates and controls security measures within cloud-based services.

Businesses rely on Merrill Datasite due to the industry-leading features:

• A comprehensive Dealmaker’s Circle resource hub. The company provides its customers with guidelines, events, webinars, and personal DataSite Experience support options about marketing, M&A, and virtual data rooms.
• An all-in-one platform for managing financial transactions, corporate development, deal preparation, and more. DataSite powerful tools enable a seamless workflow environment for sellers and buyers alike.
• Reliable support team. DataSite customer support is available via email and online chat in multiple languages. Phone support is available in the United States, EMEA, and APAC.

Around 50% of Merrill DataSite traffic and 75% of its customers come from the United States. Other significant traffic sources include Germany, Netherlands, India, and France. In total, DataSite offers services to companies in over 170 countries. 

Companies with 500-1,000 employees and revenues over $1 billion use the services for several years on average and comprise the most DataSite clients. 

As for specific industries, investment banking, computer software, and legal are the biggest sectors where DataSite customers operate.