Mergers and Acquisitions
Maximise value for every deal
As organisations look to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to reshape their operations and remain competitive, realising value from M&A transactions has become more crucial than ever. Success in this complex and high-stakes field requires flexible M&A strategies and skilled professionals who can navigate the latest challenges, including bridging valuation gaps, increased regulatory scrutiny and cultural integration.
The online Mergers and Acquisitions programme from Imperial Executive Education is designed to help you maximise value at each stage of the M&A deal cycle, whether domestic or international. Over 11 weeks, you will delve into the entire M&A process and develop frameworks to identify opportunities, value a business, negotiate the deal and manage the post-merger integration. Insights gleaned from real-world case studies and expert faculty with more than 30 years of industry experience will equip you to excel as an M&A specialist and contribute to your organisation’s long-term growth.
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Key takeaways
At the end of this 11-week online programme, you will be able to:
Recognise the various forms of corporate restructuring and their potential value
Identify the differences, functions, benefits and challenges of M&A
Illustrate the M&A process, including structuring, negotiating and valuation
Explain the factors and process for successful post-merger integration
Examine the roles and careers in M&A
What you will learn
This online programme focuses on the strategic and financial aspects of corporate restructuring, helping you identify the unique opportunities and challenges of M&A and providing you with clarity and confidence throughout the M&A cycle.
Begin the programme by introducing yourself to your global classmates and becoming familiar with the learning platform used throughout the curriculum.
Explore the finances of corporate restructuring, including using M&A deals for competitive advantage and value creation.
Activity: Review the growth strategies, deal structures and performance of three organisations provided in a case study.
Examine key terminology, and traverse the history of M&A transactions through several ‘waves’ of mergers.
Activity: Apply the PEST framework, and learn how it can help businesses capitalise on periods of turbulence. Apply the five-stage model of M&A to understand how M&A impacts a business.
Understand the benefits and challenges of M&A by considering the point of view of every player and the numbers that matter most to both sides.
Activity: Learn how organisations achieve their M&A objectives with an example of merger arbitrage, a hedge fund investment tactic. Prepare a deck or paper on synergies, value creation and factors that lead to M&A successes and failures.
Explore a range of strategic restructuring forms as alternatives to M&A, including alliances, employee stock ownership plans, divestitures, joint ventures, carve-outs and consortiums.
Activity: Reflect on questions leaders should ask themselves when thinking about selling parts of their organisation. Answer questions about the rationale, deal structure, financing and other important aspects.
Identify key differences in the M&A process for the buy-side and the sell-side; examine valuation, pricing and financing issues; and prepare for due diligence in the transaction.
Activity: Build an investment case for a target acquisition by picking an organisation you believe would be a good target acquisition for your organisation. Summarise a variety of possible valuations for an organisation, and consider the valuation range you would choose. Assume the role of a consultant, and perform an exercise in due diligence to assess the value of a hospital chain that is up for sale.
Explore the covert tactics, defences and hostile battles involved in the takeover process.
Activity: Prepare a deck or paper to understand takeover tactics and identify defences against hostile takeovers.
Delve into advanced tactics employed in takeover bids and defences, including the role of activist investors, negotiation and bidding techniques and managing shareholder conflict.
Activity: Study and debate the tactics used by activist investors to achieve their goals. Share an example of a merger or acquisition where hard or soft negotiation techniques were used, and briefly evaluate what made them successful or unsuccessful. Conduct an in-depth analysis of stock market assessment, financing, restructuring and negotiation techniques for a given organisation.
Maximise synergies, and seamlessly combine core business interests post-merger.
Activity: Explain your choice of the takeover candidate for a given organisation, use the viewpoints of different stakeholders and assess post-merger integration.
Focus on specific practices and priorities to seal overseas opportunities and cross-border deals.
Activity: Prepare an essay related to important aspects of a cross-border and emerging market merger.
Learn more about the professionals who participate in the M&A process, from those searching for potential deals to lawyers dealing with documentation.
Activity: Interview a colleague or contact directly involved in M&A. Identify their most important skills and examples where they proved handy.
Testimonials
Who is this programme for?
Building on your business knowledge in accounting, finance, valuation, strategic management and organisational behaviour, this programme is designed to expand your skills in M&A techniques and transactions. It will be most valuable for:
Senior executives responsible for their organisation’s growth, portfolio, and investments, especially executives seeking to capture value through mergers to create synergies of revenue, cost and capital
Mid-level managers responsible for accounting, valuation, research, financial modelling and smaller-scale investment decisions, particularly those seeking to transition to an M&A role and build credibility and influence in dealmaking
Professionals in investment banking and finance who are responsible for sourcing, executing and managing deals, as well as building relationships with investment banks and private investors. It is particularly valuable for consultants seeking to create value for organisations and build expertise in deal management
Legal professionals working as legal counsel to investment banking, finance or law organisations, especially those who ensure compliance for their clients, structure transactions, provide due diligence and prevent antitrust liability in M&A
Consultants advising client organisations on financing and investing decisions looking to understand the M&A process from both sides, the roles of those involved and how M&A works in an international context
The programme is also suitable for various M&A professionals with the following goals:
Strategic insights: If you are looking to develop strategic insights and frameworks to evaluate and execute M&A transactions effectively
Career advancement: If you want to enhance your career by demonstrating your knowledge and gaining credentials in M&A
Knowledge expansion: If you are looking to expand your knowledge and understanding of M&A to become more effective in your current or next role
Practical application: If you want to learn to apply M&A knowledge to real-world scenarios
Network building: If you are building a network of peers and industry experts through the programme
Programme highlights
Video lectures
Learn at your own pace with dynamic and engaging recorded video lectures led by programme faculty.
Live webinars
Participate in four live sessions with programme faculty to reinforce topics and magnify your knowledge.
Weekly assignments
Expand your understanding of the module topics through weekly assignments based on programme content and suggested reading.
Case studies
Explore the challenges, wins and failures of corporate restructurings in real-world case studies.
Interactive activities
Exchange perspectives with classmates from around the world by participating in discussions, polls and surveys.
Hands-on activities
Solidify your learning with self-study and required activities related to each module.
Dedicated programme support team
Receive personal support from a dedicated learning team throughout the programme.
Continuous programme access
Enjoy access to videos and learning material for up to 12 months from the programme start date.
Certificate of completion
Earn a verified digital certificate from Imperial Executive Education.
Case studies
There are both cautionary and inspirational lessons to be learned from real-world takeovers. You will examine details of the following corporate restructurings:
PORSCHE + VOLKSWAGEN
Although the negotiations took three years, the friendly vertical merger between these German automotive giants in 2009 resulted in synergy valuation.
DAIMLER + CHRYSLER
Designed to safeguard competitiveness for both car companies, this strategic merger in 1998 did not have the desired result, with Daimler later selling Chrysler at a loss.
AXEL SPRINGER + SELOGER.COM
In a creeping takeover, German media group Axel Spring employed hostile techniques in 2010 to get the better of the French online property company, SeLoger.
PHILIP MORRIS + KRAFT FOODS
Notable as the largest merger of its kind in 1988, the acquisition was designed to allow Philip Morris to diversify from tobacco and Kraft to retain its independence.
ABN AMRO + FORTIS BANK NETHERLANDS
The 2010 marriage between the Dutch bank group ABN AMRO and Fortis was a rocky and complex merger with several false starts and crises.
Mergers and Acquisitions with Imperial Executive Education
As part of Imperial College London, one of the top ten universities worldwide, Imperial Executive Education drives global business and social transformation through the fusion of business, technology and an entrepreneurial mindset. We attract brilliant minds and provide the environment to foster innovative thinking, resulting in groundbreaking ideas that unlock business opportunities. The Mergers and Acquisitions programme has been designed with the same careful balance of teaching, hands-on coursework and training that Imperial College London values across all of its programmes. It delivers a strategic curriculum that you can leverage right away to structure your own M&A deal.
Meet the faculty
Partner and Co-Founder, Candesic; Visiting Professor in Finance, Imperial College Business School
Marc Kitten has over 30 years of experience in transactions and financial markets. In 2003, he co-founded Candesic, a London-based strategy consultancy, specialising in health...
Certificate
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Imperial Executive Education.
Note: You will earn the Associate Alumni status upon successful completion of the programme. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.
Imperial College Business School Global MBA
Successful completion of the Mergers and Acquisitions programme may be used for credit on the Imperial College Business School Global Online MBA, subject to acceptance onto the Global Online MBA programme. Completion of this programme does not guarantee entry to the Global Online MBA programme.
FAQs
How do I know if this programme is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated programme adviser will follow up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this programme?
Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page, as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above. Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50 per cent 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 programme be offered in the future?
Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire if future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
How much time is required each week?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme 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 programme 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 programme 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 programme 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 programme 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 per cent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes 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 programme delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.
A dedicated programme 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 programme participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.
This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the programme, 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 or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme, 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 networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme 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 programme materials for 12 months following the programme 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 programme?
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 programme 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 programme 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 can 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 programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.
What is the programme fee and what forms of payment do you accept?
The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to 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 programme currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme adviser 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 programme 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 programme you’re interested in enroling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. 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 programme?
Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrolment and programme support, and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the programme?
Programme fees for Emeritus programmes with Imperial Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
What is the programme refund and deferral policy?
For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Programme Advisers or call us at +44 208 629 1765 (UK) / +1 315 509 2976 (US) / +65 3138 2451 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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