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Executive Education
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Mergers and Acquisitions—Virtual Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching Team
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Programs for Individuals Right arrow Topic-Focused Programs Right arrow Mergers and Acquisitions—Virtual Right arrow OverviewCurriculumTeaching Team

Mergers and Acquisitions—Virtual

Mergers and Acquisitions—Virtual
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    Status: Check Back to Apply
  • Dates: TBD
  • Format: Virtual Synchronous learning at designated live online session times.
  • Fee: TBD
  • The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.

    This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking.
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  • Overview
  • Curriculum
  • Teaching Team
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    • Overview
    • Curriculum
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Program Announcement
The information below is based on the prior program session and does not reflect potential changes to faculty and course content for future program offerings. Please consider applying to the related program.

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 from this live online program with new ability to broker powerful deals and create shareholder value.

You will also discuss how to structure M&A deals in the COVID environment, where contingency-planning is critical and risks need to be carefully allocated between the parties. Special emphasis will be given to managing future M&A deals in a post-COVID world.

You may also be interested in the related program: Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategy, Execution, and Post-Merger Management.

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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 from this live online program with new ability to broker powerful deals and create shareholder value.

You will also discuss how to structure M&A deals in the COVID environment, where contingency-planning is critical and risks need to be carefully allocated between the parties. Special emphasis will be given to managing future M&A deals in a post-COVID world.

You may also be interested in the related program: Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategy, Execution, and Post-Merger Management.

Key Benefits
Completing a successful merger or acquisition is a multifaceted project that involves managing major teams across the organization. In this virtual program, 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 AllCollapse All

Enable growth through an effective M&A processEnable growth through an effective M&A process
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  • 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 networkExpand your personal and professional network
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  • Extend your network by connecting 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 Dropdown up

Key Benefits Dropdown down

Completing a successful merger or acquisition is a multifaceted project that involves managing major teams across the organization. In this virtual program, 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.
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 connecting 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.

The 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 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Who Should Attend Dropdown down

Who Should Attend Dropdown down

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.

The 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 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Leaders in Virtual Learning

When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

Dive Deeper into the Experience
Play video
Play video
We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
Read Their Stories
Play video
Play video
Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
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Leaders in Virtual Learning

When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

Dive Deeper into the Experience
Play video
Play video
We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?
Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Youngme Moon teaching in the HBSonline studio
Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs
Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.
Read Their Stories
Play video
Play video
Discover more about business. And yourself.Discover more about business. And yourself.
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.
Watch the VideoWatch the Video
Previous Next

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.
Read More
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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, e-books, and online case materials. 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 Dropdown down

Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

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, e-books, and online case materials. 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.

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.

Dropdown down Dropdown up

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.

Program Format

The program takes place over the course of a week with live online sessions taking place on the Zoom platform. In addition to the live online case discussions, participants will also participate in virtual negotiation simulations, discussion groups, and networking sessions.

Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 3-5 hours each week for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.

Dropdown down Dropdown up

Program Format

The program takes place over the course of a week with live online sessions taking place on the Zoom platform. In addition to the live online case discussions, participants will also participate in virtual negotiation simulations, discussion groups, and networking sessions.

Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. We advise setting aside a total of 3-5 hours each week for program work in addition to the synchronous class sessions.

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

ValuationValuation
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  • 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
NegotiationNegotiation
Dropdown down
  • 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
FinanceFinance
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  • 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
StrategyStrategy
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  • Achieving strategic clarity
  • Understanding deal process design
  • Managing auction processes
  • Using sell-side and buy-side strategies
  • Stress-testing the business model
Post-merger managementPost-merger management
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  • 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 101Valuation 101
Dropdown down
  • Understanding financial accounting principles and valuation techniques

Key Topics Dropdown up

Key Topics Dropdown down

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

  • 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
Guhan Subramanian
Guhan Subramanian

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
David G. Fubini
David G. Fubini

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson
Stuart C. Gilson
Stuart C. Gilson

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

Dropdown down Dropdown up

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
Guhan Subramanian
Guhan Subramanian

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
David G. Fubini
David G. Fubini

David G. Fubini

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Organizational Behavior

Read Full Bio

Stuart C. Gilson
Stuart C. Gilson
Stuart C. Gilson

Stuart C. Gilson

Steven R. Fenster Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Finance

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan
Kevin P. Mohan

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

HBS Unit:
Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

Read Full Bio

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.
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Program Finder
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Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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Need Help? Contact Us:
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Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
View In-Person Program Offering
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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