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Jeff Hooke

Offering an intensive introduction to the complex world of M&A, this course will provide an invaluable foundation in strategy, regulation, finding a deal, corporate valuation, and more.

You will learn about buyer strategies, how M&A can increase business value, and how to start the acquisition process, as well as identify successful acquisitions.

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Offering an intensive introduction to the complex world of M&A, this course will provide an invaluable foundation in strategy, regulation, finding a deal, corporate valuation, and more.

You will learn about buyer strategies, how M&A can increase business value, and how to start the acquisition process, as well as identify successful acquisitions.

Taught by instructors with decades of experience on Wall Street, this M&A course will equip analysts and associates with the skills they need to rise to employment in the M&A field. Additionally, directors and managers who have transitioned, or hope to transition, to M&A from other areas such as equities or fixed income can use this course to eliminate skill gaps.

This course is part of the New York Institute of Finance’s popular Mergers & Acquisitions Professional Certificate program.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recognize the common motivations for acquisitions and the reasons many are unsuccessful.
  • Identify the methods of structuring a business acquisition.
  • Evaluate the intrinsic and relative valuation methods for target companies.

Syllabus

Session 1: Overview and Buyer Strategies
Lesson 1: Global M&A
Lesson 2: Emerging Market M&A Issues
Lesson 3: The Buyer’s Viewpoint
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an invaluable overview of mergers and acquisitions, establishing a foundation in strategy and regulation for analysts and associates seeking employment in the field
Taught by experienced Wall Street professionals, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for success in M&A
Part of the esteemed New York Institute of Finance's Mergers & Acquisitions Professional Certificate program, a valuable credential for aspiring professionals
Examines the crucial topic of merger and acquisition motivations and pitfalls, providing insights into successful acquisitions
Explores various business acquisition structuring methods, empowering participants with practical knowledge
Covers intrinsic and relative valuation methods for target companies, developing essential financial analysis skills
Requires some background knowledge in finance concepts, suitable for individuals with prior coursework or experience in the field
Participants are expected to have basic familiarity with financial modeling techniques to fully engage with the course material

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Reviews summary

M&a concepts and valuation fundamentals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of M&A. Students particularly praised the clear explanations of complex topics like valuation methods, noting that the course covers essential concepts such as Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and comparable acquisitions. The instructors' real-world experience is frequently highlighted as a major plus, bringing a practical perspective to the theoretical material. While largely positive, some reviewers suggested a need for more in-depth case studies or examples beyond basic concepts to fully prepare for the nuances of real-world deals. Overall, it's seen as a highly valuable introduction for those new to or transitioning into the M&A field.
Course is logically organized and easy to follow.
"The sessions flowed logically, building from concepts to valuation methods smoothly."
"Each lesson was well-contained and easy to digest."
"I appreciated the clear structure, making it easy to revisit specific topics."
Instructors bring valuable real-world insights.
"The instructors' backgrounds on Wall Street definitely shine through, adding practical context."
"Hearing from professionals with decades of experience was incredibly beneficial."
"Their ability to relate concepts to actual deals made the lectures very engaging."
Concepts are applicable to finance careers.
"The material covered feels directly applicable to roles in investment banking or corporate finance."
"I can use the frameworks and valuation techniques learned immediately in my work."
"The focus on buyer strategies and deal process is very relevant for finance professionals."
Complex valuation methods are explained well.
"The explanations of DCF and comparable company analysis were particularly clear and easy to follow."
"Valuation section was simplified effectively without losing crucial details."
"I struggled with valuation before, but the way it was taught here made it click for me."
Provides essential concepts for M&A beginners.
"This course gave me a really solid foundation in the core concepts of M&A that I needed to understand."
"Excellent introduction covering all the necessary basics from strategy to valuation methods."
"I feel much more confident about approaching M&A topics after completing this course; it built a great base."
Some wish for more advanced or nuanced content.
"While great for basics, I would have liked to see more complex or detailed case studies."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific transaction types or advanced structuring."
"It's a good overview, but don't expect it to cover every single nuance of real-world M&A deals."

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 M&A: Concepts and Theories with these activities:
Review 'Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Restructuring' by Patrick A. Gaughan
Gain insights into the complexities of M&A transactions and corporate restructurings.
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters and take notes.
  • Summarize the key concepts discussed in each chapter.
  • Identify examples and case studies that illustrate the practical applications of M&A principles.
Organize and review course materials
Solidify your understanding by synthesizing and reviewing key concepts from the course.
Show steps
  • Gather and organize your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Review and summarize the main concepts covered in each module.
  • Identify areas where you need further clarification.
Attend an industry conference on M&A
Connect with professionals in the field and stay updated on the latest M&A trends.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant industry conferences.
  • Register and attend the conference.
  • Network with attendees, including speakers, panelists, and fellow participants.
  • Gather insights and materials from the conference sessions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Write a blog post on a specific M&A topic
Develop your written communication skills and share your understanding of M&A concepts.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Choose a specific M&A topic to focus on.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Write a well-structured blog post that presents your findings and insights.
  • Publish your blog post on a relevant platform.
Solve M&A case studies
Engage with real-world M&A scenarios to enhance your analytical and decision-making skills.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Read and analyze the case study.
  • Identify the key issues and challenges.
  • Develop and evaluate potential solutions.
  • Present your recommendations.
Participate in a workshop on M&A valuation
Enhance your valuation skills and gain practical experience in applying different valuation methods.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops on M&A valuation.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Actively participate in the workshop activities and discussions.
  • Apply the learned valuation techniques to real-world case studies.
Create a fictional M&A deal
Simulate a realistic M&A deal to solidify your understanding of the process and its intricacies.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Define the buyer and target companies, including their industries, financials, and strategic goals.
  • Analyze the potential synergies and risks of the deal.
  • Determine the appropriate deal structure and valuation.
  • Negotiate the key terms of the agreement.
  • Prepare a presentation to present your deal to investors or management.
Build a financial model for an M&A transaction
Develop practical financial modeling skills essential for evaluating M&A transactions.
Browse courses on M&A
Show steps
  • Gather financial data on the buyer and target companies.
  • Build a financial model that projects the combined financial performance of the merged entity.
  • Analyze the model's results and draw conclusions about the potential impact of the transaction.
  • Create a presentation to communicate your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete M&A: Concepts and Theories will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker helps companies raise money by issuing securities and providing financial advice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of an Investment Banker.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst researches investments and provides advice to clients on how to invest their money. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of a Financial Analyst.
Private Equity Associate
A Private Equity Associate helps private equity firms invest in companies. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Private Equity Associate.
Corporate Development Associate
A Corporate Development Associate helps companies with their M&A and other strategic initiatives. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Corporate Development Associate.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps companies with their strategy, operations, and other business issues. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Management Consultant.
Investment Manager
An Investment Manager oversees the investment of funds for clients. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of an Investment Manager.
Portfolio Manager
A Portfolio Manager manages the investments of a portfolio of clients. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of a Portfolio Manager.
Equity Research Analyst
An Equity Research Analyst researches companies and provides investment recommendations to clients. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of an Equity Research Analyst.
Credit Analyst
A Credit Analyst evaluates the creditworthiness of companies and other borrowers. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of a Credit Analyst.
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager helps companies identify and manage their risks. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about valuation, which is a key part of the job of a Risk Manager.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the financial health of a company. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a CFO.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall management of a company. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a CEO.
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager is responsible for developing new business opportunities for a company. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Business Development Manager.
Strategy Consultant
A Strategy Consultant helps companies develop and implement their strategies. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Strategy Consultant.
Corporate Lawyer
A Corporate Lawyer advises companies on legal matters, including M&A. This course may be useful in helping build a foundation that will be needed to succeed in this role. The course's description says that it will teach about M&A, which is a key part of the job of a Corporate Lawyer.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 M&A: Concepts and Theories.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the M&A process, from planning and execution to integration and post-merger management.
Provides an overview of the private equity industry, with a focus on the M&A process and the role of private equity firms in M&A transactions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global mergers and acquisitions market. It is written by two leading experts in the field and provides insights into the legal, regulatory, and cultural challenges of cross-border transactions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal, financial, and strategic aspects of mergers and acquisitions. It is written by a leading expert in the field and provides practical guidance to executives and investors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the M&A process, with a focus on the strategic and organizational aspects of the transaction.

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