Across the globe, mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the corporate and competitive landscape. To help companies gain a strategic advantage and expand market share, this M&A program takes you inside the process—from strategy and valuation to execution and post-merger management. Whether your company is private or public, or looking to buy or to sell, you will emerge with new ability to broker powerful deals and create shareholder value.

Summary: Across the globe, mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the corporate and competitive landscape. To help companies gain a strategic advantage and expand market share, this M&A program takes you inside the process—from strategy and valuation to execution and post-merger management. Whether your company is private or public, or looking to buy or to sell, you will emerge with new ability to broker powerful deals and create shareholder value.

Key Benefits

Completing a successful merger or acquisition is a multifaceted project that involves managing major teams across the organization. In this M&A course, you will acquire a critical cross-functional perspective of the mergers and acquisitions process. Through global case studies on the best practices of leading companies, you will learn how to forge strategic partnerships, navigate complex negotiations, and drive corporate growth.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Enable growth through an effective M&A process Enable growth through an effective M&A process

Build stronger M&A strategies
Identify the right targets, assess business value accurately, and perform meaningful due diligence
Negotiate complex multi-party, multi-issue deals that boost corporate performance
Integrate new acquisitions efficiently and effectively

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Enable growth through an effective M&A process

Build stronger M&A strategies
Identify the right targets, assess business value accurately, and perform meaningful due diligence
Negotiate complex multi-party, multi-issue deals that boost corporate performance
Integrate new acquisitions efficiently and effectively

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

This mergers and acquisitions course is designed for senior executives involved in M&A activity who want to broaden their knowledge of financial business valuation methods, negotiation strategies, and deal process design.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 5 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Exploring the Human Element of M&A

Learn to create and sustain an atmosphere of trust.

Read Her Story

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Who Should Attend

The Mergers and Acquisition program is of particular interest to:

Senior executives in the C-Suite
Directors of public and private companies
Board chairs and directors
Heads of strategy and corporate development
Key executives involved in integration, such as heads of human resources or information technology
Founders and CEOs of established startups
Investment bankers, transactional lawyers, and private equity investors

Attendance by multiple company representatives will foster teamwork and amplify the impact of the Mergers and Acquisitions program across your organization.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 5 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Exploring the Human Element of M&A

Learn to create and sustain an atmosphere of trust.

Read Her Story

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Learning and Living at HBS

Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

This mergers and acquisitions program provides a holistic view of the M&A process—from front-end target selection and search processes to approach strategies and execution to post-merger integration and management. Your rich learning experience will include faculty presentations, global case studies, valuation exercises, negotiation simulations, small group projects, and dynamic discussions.

In the process, you will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by hedge fund activism, hostile takeovers, cross-border deals, corporate inversions, earn-outs, spin-offs, restructurings, and corporate governance. You also will examine different strategic approaches suited to private versus public companies in developed, emerging, and distressed economies.

Participants should expect to spend at least 9-12 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Valuation Valuation

Considering valuation through the lens of a consumer rather than a producer
Understanding the discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation
Applying comparable company analysis (CCA)
Analyzing financial statements and financial plans
Evaluating corporate and management performance

Negotiation Negotiation

Building a negotiation toolkit around interest and option generation
Using the Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) assessment to achieve a better bottom line
Managing the complexities and cultural aspects of negotiation in cross-border deals
Considering the ethical and legal repercussions to ensure a win-win outcome

Finance Finance

Optimizing tax benefits
Structuring earn-outs in private company deals
Identifying the right context for using earn-outs
Examining government influence and legal issues
Exploring regulatory and cultural barriers

Strategy Strategy

Achieving strategic clarity
Understanding deal process design
Managing auction processes
Using sell-side and buy-side strategies
Stress-testing the business model

Post-merger management Post-merger management

Ensuring the best operational and cultural fit
Managing the integration of accounting systems
Structuring reporting lines and responsibilities
Selecting the right person to lead the integration team

Valuation 101 (Optional)Valuation 101 (Optional)

Understanding financial accounting principles and valuation techniques

Key Topics

Valuation

Considering valuation through the lens of a consumer rather than a producer
Understanding the discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation
Applying comparable company analysis (CCA)
Analyzing financial statements and financial plans
Evaluating corporate and management performance

Negotiation

Building a negotiation toolkit around interest and option generation
Using the Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) assessment to achieve a better bottom line
Managing the complexities and cultural aspects of negotiation in cross-border deals
Considering the ethical and legal repercussions to ensure a win-win outcome

Finance

Optimizing tax benefits
Structuring earn-outs in private company deals
Identifying the right context for using earn-outs
Examining government influence and legal issues
Exploring regulatory and cultural barriers

Strategy

Achieving strategic clarity
Understanding deal process design
Managing auction processes
Using sell-side and buy-side strategies
Stress-testing the business model

Post-merger management

Ensuring the best operational and cultural fit
Managing the integration of accounting systems
Structuring reporting lines and responsibilities
Selecting the right person to lead the integration team

Valuation 101 (Optional)

Understanding financial accounting principles and valuation techniques

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Guhan Subramanian

Harvard Business School:

H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law

Harvard Law School:

Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Faculty

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Chair

Guhan Subramanian

Harvard Business School:

H. Douglas Weaver Professor of Business Law

Harvard Law School:

Joseph Flom Professor of Law and Business

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Faculty

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Finance

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Africa

12%

Asia Pacific

20%

Europe

Latin America

15%

Middle East

42%

North America

3%Africa

12%Asia Pacific

20%Europe

8%Latin America

15%Middle East

42%North America

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

Professional Services

Consumer Products

Raw Materials / Energy

Transportation

12%

High Technology

11%

Manufacturing

Real Estate / Construction

Health Care

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

Professional Services

Consumer Products

Raw Materials / Energy

Transportation

12%

High Technology

11%

Manufacturing

Real Estate / Construction

Health Care

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Experience

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Barclays

Coca-Cola

ECCO Sko A/S

Intel

Kohler

Lam Research Corporation

Raymond Limited

Rockwell Automation

Your Peers Expand Your Learning: Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

Global Perspective

Experience the world in your classroom.

3%

Africa

12%

Asia Pacific

20%

Europe

8%

Latin America

15%

Middle East

42%

North America

3%Africa

12%Asia Pacific

20%Europe

8%Latin America

15%Middle East

42%North America

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

8%

Professional Services

5%

Consumer Products

4%

Raw Materials / Energy

4%

Transportation

12%

High Technology

11%

Manufacturing

8%

Real Estate / Construction

5%

Health Care

3%

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Top Industries Represented

Insights from a range of industries ignite your thinking.

18%

Financial

8%

Professional Services

5%

Consumer Products

4%

Raw Materials / Energy

4%

Transportation

12%

High Technology

11%

Manufacturing

8%

Real Estate / Construction

5%

Health Care

3%

Chem / Pharma / Bio

Experience

Experience

Years worked

Years worked

Experience

Years worked

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Less than 10 yearsLess than 10 years

10-14 years10-14 years

15-19 years15-19 years

20-24 years20-24 years

25-29 years25-29 years

30-34 years30-34 years

35-39 years35-39 years

40 years or more40 years or more

Participating Companies Have Included:

Barclays

Coca-Cola

ECCO Sko A/S

Intel

Kohler

Lam Research Corporation

Raymond Limited

Rockwell Automation

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

Guhan Subramanian

Faculty Chair

Apply

Download Brochure

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

Guhan Subramanian

Faculty Chair

Download Brochure

Apply

Program Finder

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Related Programs

Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategy, Execution, and Post-Merger Management

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

"The professors and participants shared insights that underpin the human aspects of M&A."

"The professors and participants shared insights that underpin the human aspects of M&A."

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Enable growth through an effective M&A processEnable growth through an effective M&A process Dropdown down

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown down

Enable growth through an effective M&A process

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Learning and Living at HBS

Learning and Living at HBS

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

ValuationValuation Dropdown down

NegotiationNegotiation Dropdown down

FinanceFinance Dropdown down

StrategyStrategy Dropdown down

Post-merger managementPost-merger management Dropdown down

Valuation 101 (Optional)Valuation 101 (Optional) Dropdown down

Valuation

Negotiation

Finance

Strategy

Post-merger management

Valuation 101 (Optional)

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

Your Peers Expand Your Learning

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

"Our overall goal was to show that the negotiation is bigger than just the bargaining table."

"The professors and participants shared insights that underpin the human aspects of M&A."

"The professors and participants shared insights that underpin the human aspects of M&A."

Accepting Applications

Waitlisted

Accepting Applications

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Enable growth through an effective M&A process Enable growth through an effective M&A process

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Valuation Valuation

Negotiation Negotiation

Finance Finance

Strategy Strategy

Post-merger management Post-merger management

Valuation 101 (Optional)Valuation 101 (Optional)