The Datasite Diligence virtual data room (VDR) is one of the Datasite services for M&A due diligence. These services are provided by what used to be Merrill Corporation. In 2020, Merrill virtual data room was rebranded to Datasite, but it is still often referred to as Merrill data room or Merrill Datasite.

Datasite has decades of experience in the virtual data room market, and this experience is reflected in the quality of the software it offers. Now, Datasite virtual data room is a secure and user-friendly VDR option that is used by multiple industries across 170 countries.

It is the virtual data room provider that stands out for its AI-driven M&A redaction and deal management. Datasite offers a solid option for organizations that need both ironclad security and efficient document management during complex transactions.

This overview covers the core features of Datasite data room, its use cases, pricing structure, as well as what sets Datasite VDR apart from other options on the market.

What are the main Datasite Diligence features?

Merrill Datasite includes a strong set of tools that simplify due diligence and help to make any deal more transparent, whether it is a capital raising or M&A deal preparation. Below are some of the core features Merrill data room offers.

1. Upload and file management tools

Datasite focuses on simple and secure handling of confidential documents. The virtual data room offers:

  • An email upload that allows the Merrill data room administrator to forward documents directly to the data room.
  • Drag-and-drop feature, which is used to upload multiple files or entire folders.
  • Automatic categorization that helps the system identify document types and place them in the correct structure.
  • Intelligent bulk uploads, which recognize file patterns and are used to speed up mass imports.
  • Integrated trackers that help Datasite data room users follow the status of key documents and deliverables.

2. Permissions and access control

Granular user permission settings are one of the core strengths of the platform. Users can:

  • Give or revoke access to specific users or groups.
  • Control view, edit, print, and download rights.
  • Track access levels throughout the project.
  • Use templates for fast setup.

3. Redaction and data protection

Datasite’s redaction tools help erase confidential information before documents reach buyers. Datasite offers:

  • Manual redaction for specific terms.
  • AI-powered redactions for automated removal of sensitive data.
  • Bulk redaction across folders or entire document sets.
  • Support for high-volume redaction tasks during carve-outs, post-merger integrations, IPOs, or other financial transactions.

4. Search and navigation

Datasite helps users locate information quickly, even in complex or multilingual deals with:

  • OCR-based search in 16 languages.
  • Multilingual keyword search.
  • Translation into multiple languages (over 20 languages).
  • Automatic detection of text within scanned documents.
  • Better results for international projects with diverse data sources.

5. Q&A management

Q&A is often one of the most time-consuming parts of M&A. Datasite simplifies it with:

  • Custom workflows
  • Team and role assignment
  • Answer templates
  • Automated routing

6. Deal analytics and reporting

Dataroom offers sophisticated analytics tools that allow admins to monitor the project in real time with dynamic dashboards. The dashboards showcase:

  • Buyer activity
  • Time spent on key folders
  • Most-read documents
  • Bottlenecks or delays

Security features

Datasite meets several globally recognized security standards that validate how the platform manages and protects data. According to the Datasite Trust Center, the VDR is certified for ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27017, and 27018. These certifications mean that all the documents users upload to the virtual data room are handled under strict security controls.

In addition to encryption, Datasite strengthens identity and access security through:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
  • Single sign-on (SSO)
  • IP and device restrictions

Datasite also operates on a hardened cloud architecture. It provides:

  • Strict physical security measures across global data centers.
  • Redundant infrastructure to support high availability during critical deal phases.
  • Regular third-party audits to prevent security breaches.
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity protocols.

With such security measures, Datasite customers can rest assured their confidential data remains secure and accessible even during system stress and peak deal activity.

What functions does the Datasite Diligence VDR perform?

Datasite Diligence is used by hundreds of organizations across various sectors of business and industry, including:

  • corporate development
  • investment banking
  • private equity firms
  • law firms
  • energy and power
  • finance
  • healthcare
  • technology
  • real estate

Organizations use Datasite Diligence to conduct due diligence and store and share information during corporate processes such as:

  • restructuring
  • fundraising
  • buying
  • selling
  • initial public offering (IPO)

Datasite in the UK Market

Datasite is one of the best data room software UK businesses can use. Datasite is especially popular in:

  • Private equity and venture capital
  • Financial advisory firms
  • Real estate investment groups
  • Energy and infrastructure deals
  • Technology and fintech transactions

The platform supports UK-based deals with localized compliance, robust security, and region-specific customer support teams. It’s also often chosen as an investor data room as well as a virtual data room for companies preparing for fundraising in the UK.

What are the advantages of the Datasite Diligence VDR?

Datasite Diligence provides its users with the customary benefits of virtual data rooms:

  • Paperless processes
  • Enhanced security
  • Speedier interactions
  • Easier organization with the data room index

Customer satisfaction

Besides these general advantages, Datasite reviews consistently highlight that clients are very happy with the company’s customer support and user interface. They report that the software and Datasite mobile app are easy to use. On top of that, high user ratings point out that Datasite clients are satisfied with the level of security it provides.

The platform’s intuitive interface reduces training time, allowing teams to begin productive work quickly. Technical support responds promptly to queries, minimizing downtime during critical deal phases.

Datasite pricing and cost structure

Merrill Datasite pricing is not publicly revealed. Datasite cost varies depending on:

  • Deal size
  • Data volume
  • How many users need to access the platform
  • Duration of the project
  • Required add-ons (such as extended analytics or bulk redaction)

Most users report that Datasite pricing is on the premium side of the VDR market. Smaller companies or early-stage startups may find more flexible pricing with alternatives.

As mentioned on their official website and multiple VDR review platforms, Datasite does not offer a free trial period. Instead, they provide a free demo so that businesses can explore the features and usability of the platform.

Key takeaways

Datasite is a trusted data room option for M&A professionals, and it is especially useful in complex or international deals. It offers a wide range of tools, top-tier security, and advanced features like AI redaction and multilingual search. The verified reviews praise this virtual data room for its usability and strong user support.

While Datasite data room pricing may be higher than some alternatives, many organizations choose it for its reliability. For teams working on sensitive or high-value deals, Datasite Diligence is a robust and trusted business software option.