Mergers and Acquisitions

Topics covered include the market for corporate control; legal and regulatory considerations, the planning, implementation, and integration processes, merger valuation, deal structure, alternative exit and restructuring activities.

Course learning objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Understand the market for corporate control

2. Analyse the strategic issues involved in mergers and acquisitions

3. Identify regulatory issues associated with takeovers

4. Analyse payment methods for takeovers and how targets may respond to takeovers

5. Apply cash flow, relative, and real option valuation techniques to mergers and acquisitions

6. Structure a deal using various financing options

7. Evaluate corporate restructuring strategies such as spinoffs, equity carve-outs, and recapitalisations  to create firm value

8. Interpret the influence of corporate governance on merger value creation strategies

Class representative

The class representative provides a useful way to communicate feedback to the teaching staff during the course. They also work with the VUWSA Education Office on any academic issues that arise in their course. Reps are elected by students by the third week of classes every trimester. Being a rep requires a weekly commitment.