ACCESS Journal: Access to Science, Business, Innovation in Digital Economy ISSN 2683-1007 (Online) 2023, 4(3), 468-479, https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2023.4.3(10) https://journal.access-bg.org/ 468 INVESTMENT AUDIT IN THE PROVISION MANAGEMENT OF THE MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Ihor Fedorov 1 , Karina Nazarova 2 , Volodymyr Hordopolov 3 , Mariia Nezhyva 4 , Viktoriia Mysiuk 5 , Viktor Koval 6 1, ,2, 3, 4, 5 State University of Trade and Economics, Kyiv, Ukraine 6 Izmail State University of Humanities, Izmail, Ukraine e-mails: 1 i.fedorov@knute.edu.ua, 2 k.nazarova@knute.edu.ua, 3 v.hordopolov@knute.edu.ua, 4 m.nezhyva@knute.edu.ua, 5 v.mysiuk@knute.edu.ua, 6 victor-koval@ukr.net Received: 10 June 2023 Accepted: 3 July 2023 Online Published: 13 September 2023 ABSTRACT This research is relevant because mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is one of the most complex and risky types of business operations that require significant investments. An investment audit is an important part of the M&A process, which allows investors to assess the risks and benefits of investing in a particular company, and helps ensure that the M&A does not lead to unforeseen problems or financial losses. The main purpose of conducting research is to assess the potential returns and risks associated with investments in M&A, which is becoming an increasingly popular method of conducting business operations. Therefore, the importance of an investment audit in M&A assurance management is increasing, as it helps to reduce risks and ensure the successful execution of M&A. Objectives: The purpose of the article is to discuss the further development of investment audit provisions and their impact on the results of the public interest enterprise. Results: Conducting an investment audit is crucial in the provision management of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to ensure effective decision-making and maximize returns. By conducting a comprehensive investment audit, acquirers can gain valuable insights into the target company's strengths, weaknesses, and growth potential, enabling them to make informed investment decisions, negotiate favorable terms, and develop integration strategies that enhance value creation and minimize risks. Ultimately, a thorough investment audit plays a pivotal role in the provision management of M&A by providing a solid foundation for successful post-merger integration and long-term business growth. Conclusions: In addition to the direct audit of M&A operations, other types of audit can be conducted: legal audit; environmental audit; organizational audit; technological audit. In the face of various challenges confronting business leaders, M&A, especially portfolio optimization, will be a crucial tool for repositioning companies, driving growth, and achieving long-term sustainable outcomes. Keywords: investment audit, M&A, enterprise of public interest, financial market. JEL classification: Q01, Q56, M21, М40, М42, М49 Paper type: Research article Citation: Fedorov, I., Nazarova, K., Hordopolov, V., Nezhyva, M., Mysiuk, V., Koval, V. (2023). Investment audit in the provision management of the mergers and acquisitions. Access to science, business, innovation in the digital economy, ACCESS Press, 4(3), 468-479, https://doi.org/10.46656/access.2023.4.3(10) INTRODUCTION The processes of globalization and international integration gave rise to transformational changes in the political, legal, and economic life of Ukraine. In modern economic conditions, the role of investments consists in attracting not only the necessary amounts of capital, but also modern technologies, management methods, and highly qualified personnel. Investing, as an economic concept, serves several critical functions that are essential for the advancement of any country's economy.