Mergers and Acquisitions (Online)
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Achieve Growth with the Strategic Lever of Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are on the rebound, driven by favorable economic conditions and the potential to accelerate digital transformation with technologies like GenAI. However, a historically uncertain landscape and the inherent risks of M&A require that deals be fully vetted and carefully planned. The nine-week Mergers and Acquisitions (Online) program from Columbia Business School Executive Education will help you navigate the complexities of the M&A process. Through live sessions with world-class faculty, case studies, assignments, and activities, you will learn a proven offensive and defensive framework and develop a comprehensive understanding of mergers and acquisitions, from strategy to execution.
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Key Takeaways
The Mergers and Acquistions (Online) program will enable you to:
Deep-dive into the M&A process from deal sourcing through transaction closing
Analyze the strategic rationale for and against an M&A transaction
Explore the role of valuation in the M&A process and examine different valuation methods and the math behind the deal
Explain how to capture value through M&A and create synergies of revenue and cost
Examine the best practices of due diligence, deal documentation, and transaction structuring in M&A transactions
Evaluate the M&A process of a real-world merger and determine whether the parties involved derived the "benefit of the bargain"
Who Should Attend?
This program is intended for those who have experience in corporate finance, capital markets, or investment management. It is highly recommended that participants have prior knowledge of topics such as discounted cash flow models; risk and return; capital asset pricing model; dividend policy; asset valuation; fixed income; and behavioral finance.
Senior executives who set the strategic course for growth and oversee the firm’s investment portfolio. Representative roles include chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief investment officer, chief financial officer, consulting director, corporate vice president, director of financial reporting/financial services/regulatory affairs/risk management, and founder.
Mid-level managers who serve in finance or investment functions and play a key role in the financial matters of the organization. Representative roles include financial analyst, CPA/accountant, actuary, investment manager, and acquisition/equity manager.
Consultants, Legal Counsel, and Advisors who serve in a role of sourcing, executing, managing, or integrating M&A transactions, or who hold relationships with investment banks and private investors. Representative roles include management consultant, attorney, paralegal, investment banker, financial advisor, and private banker.
Program Modules
Review the key terminology of the M&A landscape and learn a five-point framework for remaining disciplined during the M&A process.
Examine the six key topics to be addressed in the M&A process: strategic alternatives; screening candidates; valuation, synergies, and pro-forma analysis; interloper analysis; form of consideration; and tactical approach issues and Plan B.
Explore the role that valuation plays in the M&A process and evaluate whether an M&A transaction will add value.
Review the most common 'deal math' calculations for an M&A transaction including: premium; fully diluted shares outstanding (FDSO); transaction values; transaction multiples; transaction exchange ratio and pro forma ownership (only in stock deals) and contribution analysis (only in stock deals).
Explain the due diligence process–including financial, legal, and commercial–and its role in ensuring that both parties can protect their benefit of the bargain.
Describe the principles and mechanics of deal documentation and learn about various transaction structures, including direct mergers, triangular mergers, consolidations, and asset sales.
Discuss some key questions that both parties must address throughout the M&A process and some guidelines for friendly versus hostile deals. Gain insight into the roles of the involved stakeholders.
The final project brings together all of the concepts taught in this program and consists of two parts. Part one includes general questions about merger agreements, valuation, and due diligence. Part two relates specifically to the Kenneth Cole Productions case and includes reference documents (e.g., Schedule 14A) and presentations from the financial advisor.
Program Experience
Learn from accomplished faculty, and industry experts whose diverse backgrounds encompass a broad range of disciplines
Stimulating discussions with like-minded global peers expand your professional network and build a supportive community
Through exploratory sessions, examine practical examples and find innovative solutions to strategic challenges
Get actionable insights in live online interactions with faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields
Hone business acumen and executive skills with try-it activities that help you redefine your potential
Case Study
Mittal Steel's takeover of Arcelor Steel is one of the most contentious acquisitions in European history and serves as a framework for emphasizing key program concepts, including the importance of due diligence, transaction structures, the mechanics of friendly and hostile transactions, and the role stakeholders play in creating value.
Participant Testimonials
Program Faculty
Senior Lecturer, Business, Finance, and Economics. Co-director, Private Equity Program, Columbia Business School
At Columbia Business School, Donna Hitscherich serves as co-director of the Private Equity Program and is a Bernstein Faculty Leader at the Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. Center f...
Certificate
Upon completion of the Mergers and Acquisitions (Online) program, you will receive a certificate of participation from Columbia Business School Executive Education. This certificate also awards two credits towards the Certificate in Business Excellence, which grants select alumni and tuition benefits. Learn More
Your digitally verified certificate will be issued in your legal name and emailed to you, at no additional cost, upon completion of the program, including all modules of the program (online, in person, or live online, inter-module). All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Columbia Business School Executive Education.
Strategic Investing and Dealmaking (Online)
FAQs
How do I know if this program is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.
Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
What other dates will this program be offered in the future?
Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other program participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.
This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.
How long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the program content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.
What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to PROGRAM FEE.
Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the program?
Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the program?
Program fees for Emeritus programs with Columbia Business School Executive Education may not be paid for with Title IV financial aid funds. Participants may be able to pay the program fee with funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or similar types of military education funding benefits. Participants must contact the Columbia University’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs to determine benefit eligibility.
What is the program refund and deferral policy?
For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
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Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Program Advisors or call us at +1 315 387 4431 (US) / +44 203 838 0836 (UK) / +65 3138 4449 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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