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Heitor Almeida
This course teaches how to value and price M&A deals and to choose the optimal financing mix for an M&A deal. The course focuses on all the major types of M&A deals including strategic M&A, private equity leveraged buyouts (LBOs), and restructuring deals such as spinoffs and asset transfers.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/m035xl/finance
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Orientation and Module 1: Overview of M&A Topics and Evidence
You will learn the basic terminology of M&A, which we will use throughout the course. You will also learn why M&A deals happen, and how to identify drivers of M&A that are truly value-enhancing. Finally, you will study the history of M&A and learn key facts about previous M&A waves.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Orientation and Module 1: Overview of M&A Topics and Evidence
You will learn the basic terminology of M&A, which we will use throughout the course. You will also learn why M&A deals happen, and how to identify drivers of M&A that are truly value-enhancing. Finally, you will study the history of M&A and learn key facts about previous M&A waves.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Helpers learners contrast the reasons why M&A occur with the actual value-driven reasons for M&A
Provides a foundation for learners to understand how M&A can be used for personal gain as well as improved company performance
Teaches methods to calculate and analyze synergistic effects of M&A and their impact on strategic decision-making
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Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
In-depth m&a valuation for finance professionals
According to students, this course provides an excellent theoretical and practical foundation in M&A valuation and pricing, particularly praising the instructor's clear explanations of complex topics. Learners highly value the comprehensive coverage of valuation techniques (DCF, multiples, synergies) and its relevance for careers in finance, including investment banking. While recent reviews highlight an emphasis on real-world examples and up-to-date materials, a recurring theme is a desire for more hands-on case studies or Excel models. Some students found the course challenging and too fast for beginners, indicating it's best suited for those with prior finance knowledge. A few also noted quizzes could be ambiguous.
Best suited for learners with an existing finance background.
"It's definitely for someone with a basic finance background, not a complete beginner."
"I found this course very challenging. It assumes a lot of prior knowledge and moves too fast for a beginner."
"It's best suited for those with some prior finance knowledge, as it moves quite quickly."
Mixed views on hands-on practical exercises and modeling.
"I would have liked even more hands-on case studies or downloadable Excel templates to practice valuation models myself."
"I found it heavily theoretical at times, and I struggled to connect it directly to practical applications..."
"If you're looking for core concepts, it's good. If you need hands-on modeling practice, you'll need more."
Recent materials are relevant and up-to-date.
"The materials are very relevant and up-to-date."
"I appreciate the efforts to keep the material current and relevant to today's M&A landscape."
"The real-world examples felt fresh and very applicable to current market conditions."
Offers in-depth and relevant coverage of M&A valuation.
"This course provided an excellent theoretical and practical foundation for understanding M&A valuation."
"The depth of coverage on valuation techniques is exceptional. Professor is very knowledgeable."
"I found this course incredibly valuable. It solidified my existing knowledge and introduced me to new perspectives."
Praised for explaining complex M&A concepts simply.
"The professor did a great job explaining complex topics simply."
"The instructor's ability to break down advanced M&A concepts into manageable parts was truly impressive."
"Instructor is brilliant, making complex M&A valuation methods accessible."
Some reviewers found the quizzes occasionally ambiguous or tricky.
"Some of the quiz questions were also a bit ambiguous, which was frustrating."
"The quizzes were tough and often felt like trick questions."
"The quizzes were a mixed bag."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Valuation and Pricing with these
activities:
Review Concepts of Valuation
Show steps
Begin by reviewing the foundational concepts of valuation to prepare for the course content.
Browse courses on
Valuation
Show steps
-
Review introductory concepts of valuation
-
Complete practice problems or case studies
Course Materials Compilation
Show steps
Organize and review all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and readings, to enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
-
Download and print or save all course materials
-
Create a system for organizing materials by topic or module
-
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning
Financial Modeling Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of financial modeling techniques by following online tutorials or workshops to improve your analytical skills.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online tutorials or workshops
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step
-
Apply the techniques to practice problems
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
DCF and Multiples Practice
Show steps
Complete practice drills to strengthen understanding of discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples-based valuation.
Show steps
-
Solve DCF valuation problems
-
Apply multiples to value companies
-
Compare results and analyze sensitivity
M&A Resource Compilation
Show steps
Gather and organize useful resources such as articles, reports, and case studies related to M&A to supplement your learning.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
-
Identify relevant resources through research
-
Organize resources into categories or topics
-
Share the compilation with other students or interested individuals
M&A Simulation Project
Show steps
Participate in a simulation project that involves valuing and analyzing M&A deals, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
-
Join or form a team for the simulation
-
Select a target and acquirer company
-
Perform in-depth analysis and valuation
-
Present your findings and recommendations
M&A Deal Case Study
Show steps
Conduct an in-depth analysis of a real-world M&A deal, valuing the target and acquirer companies and assessing synergies.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
-
Identify a recent M&A transaction
-
Gather financial data and industry information
-
Perform target and acquirer valuation
-
Estimate potential synergies
-
Write a detailed report summarizing your findings
M&A Case Competition
Show steps
Participate in a case competition to showcase your M&A valuation and analysis skills against other students.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
-
Form a team and register for the competition
-
Analyze the case study provided
-
Develop a valuation model and prepare a presentation
-
Present your findings to a panel of judges
-
Receive feedback and learn from other teams
Review Concepts of Valuation
Show steps
Begin by reviewing the foundational concepts of valuation to prepare for the course content.
Browse courses on
Valuation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review introductory concepts of valuation
- Complete practice problems or case studies
Course Materials Compilation
Show steps
Organize and review all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and readings, to enhance understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Organization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Download and print or save all course materials
- Create a system for organizing materials by topic or module
- Review materials regularly to reinforce learning
Financial Modeling Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of financial modeling techniques by following online tutorials or workshops to improve your analytical skills.
Browse courses on
Financial Modeling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online tutorials or workshops
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step
- Apply the techniques to practice problems
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
DCF and Multiples Practice
Show steps
Complete practice drills to strengthen understanding of discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples-based valuation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Solve DCF valuation problems
- Apply multiples to value companies
- Compare results and analyze sensitivity
M&A Resource Compilation
Show steps
Gather and organize useful resources such as articles, reports, and case studies related to M&A to supplement your learning.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant resources through research
- Organize resources into categories or topics
- Share the compilation with other students or interested individuals
M&A Simulation Project
Show steps
Participate in a simulation project that involves valuing and analyzing M&A deals, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or form a team for the simulation
- Select a target and acquirer company
- Perform in-depth analysis and valuation
- Present your findings and recommendations
M&A Deal Case Study
Show steps
Conduct an in-depth analysis of a real-world M&A deal, valuing the target and acquirer companies and assessing synergies.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a recent M&A transaction
- Gather financial data and industry information
- Perform target and acquirer valuation
- Estimate potential synergies
- Write a detailed report summarizing your findings
M&A Case Competition
Show steps
Participate in a case competition to showcase your M&A valuation and analysis skills against other students.
Browse courses on
M&A
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a team and register for the competition
- Analyze the case study provided
- Develop a valuation model and prepare a presentation
- Present your findings to a panel of judges
- Receive feedback and learn from other teams
Career center
Learners who complete Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Valuation and Pricing will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts study financial data to identify trends and make recommendations on investments. They use their knowledge of finance and economics to make informed decisions about which stocks, bonds, or other investments to buy or sell. This course would be beneficial to a Financial Analyst because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound investment decisions. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the financial industry.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers provide financial advice to companies and governments. They help companies raise capital by issuing stocks or bonds, and they help governments manage their debt. This course would be useful to an Investment Banker because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the investment banking industry.
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investors invest in companies that are not publicly traded. They typically buy companies with the goal of improving their operations and selling them for a profit. This course would be beneficial to a Private Equity Investor because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound investment decisions. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the private equity industry.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with the goal of helping them grow and succeed. They typically provide funding and mentorship to these companies. This course would be beneficial to a Venture Capitalist because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound investment decisions. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the venture capital industry.
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate Finance Manager
Corporate Finance Managers are responsible for the financial planning and analysis of a company. They make decisions about how to raise capital, how to invest the company's money, and how to manage the company's debt. This course would be beneficial to a Corporate Finance Manager because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound financial decisions. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the corporate finance industry.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, and estate planning. This course would be useful to a Financial Planner because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the financial planning industry.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, finance, and healthcare. This course would be beneficial to an Actuary because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound risk assessments. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the insurance industry.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge of economics to make recommendations on public policy. This course would be useful to an Economist because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the economy.
Investment Advisor
Investment Advisor
Investment Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. They help clients make informed decisions about their investments. This course would be beneficial to an Investment Advisor because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound investment recommendations. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the investment advisory industry.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analyst
Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. They use their knowledge of finance and economics to make recommendations on whether or not to lend money to a particular borrower. This course would be beneficial to a Credit Analyst because it provides a deep understanding of the principles of finance and valuation, which are essential for making sound credit decisions. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the credit analysis industry.
Fraud Examiner
Fraud Examiner
Fraud Examiners investigate financial fraud. They use their knowledge of accounting and auditing to identify and prevent fraud. This course would be useful to a Fraud Examiner because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the fraud examination industry.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They use their knowledge of tax law to minimize their clients' tax liability. This course would be useful to a Tax Accountant because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the tax accounting industry.
Auditor
Auditor
Auditors examine financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They use their knowledge of accounting and auditing to identify any errors or fraud. This course would be useful to an Auditor because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the auditing industry.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that their companies comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They use their knowledge of law and compliance to identify and prevent any violations. This course would be useful to a Compliance Officer because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the compliance industry.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers assess and manage risk for their companies. They use their knowledge of risk management to identify and mitigate any potential risks. This course would be useful to a Risk Manager because it provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of finance and valuation. The course also covers topics such as mergers and acquisitions, which are common transactions in the risk management industry.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m035xl/finance
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Valuation and Pricing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the M&A process, from planning and negotiation to execution and integration. It valuable resource for anyone involved in M&A, from investment bankers to corporate executives.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of valuation techniques. It valuable resource for anyone involved in M&A, from investment bankers to corporate executives.
Save
This textbook provides a practical guide to the financial analysis and valuation techniques used in M&A transactions. It is particularly useful for its coverage of leveraged buyouts and other complex deal structures.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the investment banking industry, including M&A. It valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in investment banking.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, including M&A. It valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in corporate finance.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding the M&A process. It is particularly useful for its insights into the role of competition and industry economics in M&A.
Provides a collection of case studies on M&A transactions. It is particularly useful for its insights into the practical challenges of M&A and the lessons that can be learned from successful and unsuccessful deals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m035xl/finance
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Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 17 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructor
Heitor Almeida
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Mergers and Acquisitions . It's comprised of six courses:
- Accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions: Foundations
- Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Valuation and Pricing (viewing)
- Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Designing an M&A Deal
- Investment Banking: M&A and Initial Public Offerings
- Accounting for Mergers and Acquisitions: Advanced Topics
- Investment Banking: Financial Analysis and Valuation
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