Mergers and Acquisitions

Catalog description

This course is designed to give students real world experience in the corporate dealmaking process, from the decision to pursue a strategic transaction, to first contact between the parties and drafting and negotiating the definitive documents that memorialize the transaction. Over the course of the quarter, we will break down the primary documents of strategic transactions/M&A with a view to developing a fundamental understanding of how those components interact with the overall business deal. You will analyze and learn to understand how and why the key provisions of these transaction agreements are negotiated, bearing in mind client goals and interests and the allocation of risk negotiated among the deal parties. We will also discuss the intangible aspects of dealmaking that are just as critical to successful transactions. Specifically, we will discuss the financial, professional, and personal motivations of various deal parties and the psychology and tactical dynamics of a deal process. We will also have guest speakers from time to time to provide their perspectives on the topics discussed in class. As strategic transactions take place throughout the quarter, we will also stop to dissect these real-world examples in real time to provide informative case studies. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, final exam.