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Heitor Almeida

This course focuses on the theory and practice of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with a focus on the Finance. The Finance of M&A uses tools from different areas of Finance to help managers and investment bankers design successful M&A deals. In particular, we will learn to value and price M&A deals and how 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 spinoffs and asset transfers.

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This course focuses on the theory and practice of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with a focus on the Finance. The Finance of M&A uses tools from different areas of Finance to help managers and investment bankers design successful M&A deals. In particular, we will learn to value and price M&A deals and how 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 spinoffs and asset transfers.

The course will benefit any student who desires to increase their ability to understand and execute M&A deals, including (but not limited to), entrepreneurs, consultants, bankers, investors, analysts, corporate managers, marketers, strategists, and deal-makers of all types. The course will also deepen students’ understanding of financial modeling and capital structure, both in theory and practice.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation and Module 1: Designing an M&A Deal: Accounting, Taxation, and Means of Payment
You will learn the basic accounting and taxation principles of M&A deals, and how accounting and taxation choices interact and potential implications for M&A financing decisions. This module will also discuss the key trade-offs that acquirers and targets face when deciding between cash and stock deals, including taxes, valuation issues and uncertainty about synergies.
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Module 2: Financing M&A Deals
M&A deals can cause significant changes in corporate leverage. In this module you will learn how leverage affects company value both in theory and in practice. You will also learn how to choose the optimal financing mix in an M&A deal, using the trade-off model of capital structure and other state-of-the art tools including credit ratings and debt structure.
Module 3: Private Equity and Leveraged Buyouts
Private equity deals have become an essential component of the M&A market and studying private equity deals is an excellent learning tool for an M&A practitioner. You will learn the Finance issues that are essential to private equity deals including highly leveraged valuation, complex financing structures, and the key sources of value creation. You will also learn the complete modeling of a leverage buyout (LBO), including valuation, financing, exit plans and calculation of IRR (internal rates of return).
Module 4: Corporate Restructuring: Divestiture and Spin-offs
Companies create value not only by buying assets but also by selling assets and downsizing. You will learn how and why companies can create value by breaking up. This module will also discuss the specifics of divestitures and spin-offs, including tax implications and the benefits of corporate focus.
Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores tools from different areas of finance to design successful M&A deals
Teaches how to value and price M&A deals
Examines strategic and private equity M&A deals

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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: Designing an M&A Deal with these activities:
Review "Corporate Finance" by Stephen A. Ross
Review the fundamentals of corporate finance to strengthen your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Corporate Finance
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of the chapter
  • Summarize the key concepts in your own words
Form a study group to discuss course topics and work on assignments
Collaborate with classmates to enhance your understanding through discussion and problem-solving.
Show steps
  • Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Set up regular meeting times and locations.
  • Discuss course topics, share notes, and work on assignments together.
Attend an industry conference on M&A
Network with professionals in the M&A industry to gain insights and expand your knowledge.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant industry conferences
  • Register for the conference and attend the sessions
  • Connect with speakers and attendees to learn about their experiences and perspectives
12 other activities
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Review basic accounting principles
Review the accounting equations and financial statements to ensure you have a solid foundation before taking this course.
Browse courses on Accounting
Show steps
  • Re-read your accounting textbook from a previous course.
  • Review online accounting tutorials.
  • Complete practice problems from your textbook or online resources.
Read 'Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Restructuring' by Patrick A. Gaughan
Read this comprehensive book to gain a deeper understanding of M&A strategies and techniques.
Show steps
  • Read one chapter per week.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
  • Discuss the book with classmates or colleagues.
Follow online tutorials on M&A valuation techniques
Enhance your understanding of M&A valuation techniques by following guided tutorials and applying them to real-world examples.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources and tutorials on M&A valuation
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and apply the techniques to practice examples
  • Test your understanding by completing quizzes or assignments
Identify and connect with professionals in the M&A field
Seek out experienced professionals in the M&A field to gain practical insights and guidance.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences.
  • Reach out to professionals through LinkedIn or email.
  • Ask for informational interviews.
Create a list of potential M&A targets for a specific company
Develop a list of potential M&A targets to apply the target identification process.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Choose a specific company.
  • Research the company's industry and competitors.
  • Identify potential targets that complement the company's business.
  • Assess the financial and strategic fit of each target.
Solve M&A case studies
Apply the principles of M&A to real-world scenarios to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Identify the key issues and stakeholders in the case study
  • Analyze the financial and strategic implications of the deal
  • Develop a recommendation for the acquirer or target
Calculate WACC for different companies
To master WACC calculation, practice calculating WACC for different companies using their financial statements.
Show steps
  • Choose 5-7 companies from different industries.
  • Find their financial statements online.
  • Calculate their WACC using the formula.
  • Compare the WACCs of different companies.
Develop a financial model for an M&A transaction
Gain hands-on experience in applying the financial principles of M&A by developing a financial model for a specific transaction.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary financial data for the acquirer and target
  • Build a financial model that incorporates the assumptions and projections for the transaction
  • Analyze the financial impact of the transaction on both companies
Write a blog post on a recent M&A transaction
Demonstrate your understanding of the course concepts by analyzing a recent M&A transaction and sharing your insights.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Research the transaction and gather relevant information
  • Identify the key drivers and implications of the deal
  • Write a clear and concise blog post that explains the transaction and your analysis
Develop a financial model for a hypothetical M&A transaction
Create a financial model for a hypothetical M&A transaction to apply the concepts learned in this course.
Browse courses on Financial Modeling
Show steps
  • Define the assumptions and parameters of the transaction.
  • Build the financial model in Excel.
  • Analyze the results of the model.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Develop a business plan for a potential M&A transaction
Integrate the concepts of M&A, finance, and business strategy by developing a comprehensive business plan for a potential acquisition.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Identify a target company and conduct due diligence
  • Develop a detailed acquisition strategy, including financing, integration, and post-acquisition plans
  • Write a comprehensive business plan that outlines the potential benefits and risks of the acquisition
Organize and review your notes, assignments, and assessments
Organize and review your notes, assignments, and assessments to reinforce your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Gather all your course materials.
  • Organize them into folders or sections.
  • Review them regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Finance of Mergers and Acquisitions: Designing an M&A Deal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Private Equity Associate
As a Private Equity Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating and executing private equity investments. This course will give you a comprehensive understanding of the private equity market, including the different types of private equity deals, the key sources of value creation, and the complete modeling of a leveraged buyout (LBO). This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Private Equity Associate.
Investment Banker
As an Investment Banker, you will be responsible for providing financial advice to companies and governments on mergers and acquisitions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of M&A, with a focus on the finance side of the transaction. You will learn how to value and price M&A deals, as well as how to choose the optimal financing mix for an M&A deal. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as an Investment Banker.
Financial Analyst
As a Financial Analyst, you will be responsible for providing financial analysis and advice to companies and investors. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the financial principles of M&A, including accounting, taxation, and financial modeling. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Financial Analyst.
Corporate Development Manager
As a Corporate Development Manager, you will be responsible for evaluating and executing corporate development initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of M&A, as well as the key accounting and tax issues involved in M&A deals. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Corporate Development Manager.
Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer
As a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer, you will be responsible for advising clients on the legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing M&A transactions, as well as the key accounting and tax issues involved in M&A deals. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer.
Investment Manager
As an Investment Manager, you will be responsible for managing investment portfolios for clients. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the financial principles of M&A, as well as the key accounting and tax issues involved in M&A deals. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as an Investment Manager.
Private Wealth Manager
As a Private Wealth Manager, you will be responsible for providing financial advice to high-net-worth individuals and families. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the financial principles of M&A, as well as the key legal and tax issues involved in M&A deals. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Private Wealth Manager.
Venture Capital Associate
As a Venture Capital Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating and executing venture capital investments. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the venture capital market, including the different types of venture capital deals and the key sources of value creation. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Venture Capital Associate.
Commercial Banker
As a Commercial Banker, you will be responsible for providing financial services to businesses. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the financial principles of M&A, as well as the key accounting and tax issues involved in M&A deals. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Commercial Banker.
Real Estate Agent
As a Real Estate Agent, you will be responsible for helping individuals and businesses buy and sell real estate. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Real Estate Agent.
Tax Accountant
As a Tax Accountant, you will be responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Tax Accountant.
Loan Officer
As a Loan Officer, you will be responsible for originating and underwriting loans for individuals and businesses. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Loan Officer.
Insurance Agent
As an Insurance Agent, you will be responsible for selling insurance products to individuals and businesses. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as an Insurance Agent.
Mortgage Broker
As a Mortgage Broker, you will be responsible for helping individuals and businesses obtain mortgages. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Mortgage Broker.
Financial Planner
As a Financial Planner, you will be responsible for providing financial advice to individuals and families. This course may provide you with some of the financial principles of M&A. This course may help you to develop some of the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful as a Financial Planner.

Reading list

We've selected six 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: Designing an M&A Deal.
Another standard corporate finance textbook that covers much of the material in this course, and is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions.
A broad overview of the private equity industry, which is an important part of the M&A market.
A classic book on investment that provides insights into the psychology of the market, which can be helpful for understanding M&A.
Another classic book on investment that provides insights into the fundamentals of investing, which can be helpful for understanding M&A.

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