
Certified M&A Associate
Your next career step starts here
Mergers & acquisitions are complex, strategically significant processes that can fundamentally reshape companies. The Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Associate programme at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management imparts comprehensive expertise in company valuation, due diligence, negotiation and integration management. Participants acquire the skills to manage transactions securely and to contribute effectively to corporate success. The programme is designed for professionals aiming to take responsibility in M&A processes and to advance their careers in this dynamic field.
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Mergers & acquisitions are complex, strategically significant processes that can fundamentally reshape companies. The Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Associate programme at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management imparts comprehensive expertise in company valuation, due diligence, negotiation and integration management. Participants acquire the skills to manage transactions securely and to contribute effectively to corporate success. The programme is designed for professionals aiming to take responsibility in M&A processes and to advance their careers in this dynamic field.

REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION
Online
Your Benefits
- Be part of Germany’s # 1 Business School for Executive Education.
- Learn from industry experts with real-world experience.
- Gain a recognized certificate to boost your career profile.
- Benefit from the active international Frankfurt School community.

Advance Your Career
High-impact programs to boost your skills and network.
High-impact programs to boost your skills and network.
Target group
METHODOLOGY
The program is completed with an online test to receive a certificate.
Access to the training program is provided for 3 months
CONTENTS
STRUCTURE
M&A Framework
After providing an overview of major strategic rationales for M&A and an approach for systematic target identification Module 1 describes two distinctive approaches for M&A origination. The module also provides an overview of major M&A phases and core M&A tasks. Further, Module 1 shows how teams of experts are working together, and why confidentiality is mission critical in any M&A project.
M&A Strategy
- Strategic rationale
- Exercise
- Target Identification
M&A Project
- Proactive M&A origination
- Opportunistic M&A origination
- Workout
- Major M&A phases
- Core M&A tasks
- Confidentiality
M&A Project Organization
- Workload
- Teams of experts
- M&A project leadership levels
M&A Phases
Major milestones of the Pre-Due Diligence phase are described, including Teaser document, Confidential Information Memorandum, and Indicative Offer. Module 2 outlines key areas of the Due Diligence, and illustrates the role of Data Request List, Electronic Data Room, Management Presentation and other information sources in order to develop a Due Diligence report. Module 2 shows also why reps and warranties are important negotiating the Sale and Purchase Agreement, and why Signing and Closing can constitute quite distinctive milestones in an M&A project.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
M&A Tasks
After demonstrating why cash flow is an important basis for valuation Module 3 presents how to challenge systematically target’s assumptions on revenues, costs and capital reviewing the target business. Module 3 presents how value is created by M&A, and how synergies are both identified and prioritized. Further, Module 3 explains how to prepare for post merger integration in order to implement planned synergies and to stabilize the target business illustrating among others the role of Target Operating Model (TOM), Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), Earn-out Agreements and M&A deal types.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
STRUCTURE
M&A Framework
After providing an overview of major strategic rationales for M&A and an approach for systematic target identification Module 1 describes two distinctive approaches for M&A origination. The module also provides an overview of major M&A phases and core M&A tasks. Further, Module 1 shows how teams of experts are working together, and why confidentiality is mission critical in any M&A project.
M&A Strategy
- Strategic rationale
- Exercise
- Target Identification
M&A Project
- Proactive M&A origination
- Opportunistic M&A origination
- Workout
- Major M&A phases
- Core M&A tasks
- Confidentiality
M&A Project Organization
- Workload
- Teams of experts
- M&A project leadership levels
M&A Phases
Major milestones of the Pre-Due Diligence phase are described, including Teaser document, Confidential Information Memorandum, and Indicative Offer. Module 2 outlines key areas of the Due Diligence, and illustrates the role of Data Request List, Electronic Data Room, Management Presentation and other information sources in order to develop a Due Diligence report. Module 2 shows also why reps and warranties are important negotiating the Sale and Purchase Agreement, and why Signing and Closing can constitute quite distinctive milestones in an M&A project.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
M&A Tasks
After demonstrating why cash flow is an important basis for valuation Module 3 presents how to challenge systematically target’s assumptions on revenues, costs and capital reviewing the target business. Module 3 presents how value is created by M&A, and how synergies are both identified and prioritized. Further, Module 3 explains how to prepare for post merger integration in order to implement planned synergies and to stabilize the target business illustrating among others the role of Target Operating Model (TOM), Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), Earn-out Agreements and M&A deal types.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
STRUCTURE
M&A Framework
After providing an overview of major strategic rationales for M&A and an approach for systematic target identification Module 1 describes two distinctive approaches for M&A origination. The module also provides an overview of major M&A phases and core M&A tasks. Further, Module 1 shows how teams of experts are working together, and why confidentiality is mission critical in any M&A project.
M&A Strategy
- Strategic rationale
- Exercise
- Target Identification
M&A Project
- Proactive M&A origination
- Opportunistic M&A origination
- Workout
- Major M&A phases
- Core M&A tasks
- Confidentiality
M&A Project Organization
- Workload
- Teams of experts
- M&A project leadership levels
M&A Phases
Major milestones of the Pre-Due Diligence phase are described, including Teaser document, Confidential Information Memorandum, and Indicative Offer. Module 2 outlines key areas of the Due Diligence, and illustrates the role of Data Request List, Electronic Data Room, Management Presentation and other information sources in order to develop a Due Diligence report. Module 2 shows also why reps and warranties are important negotiating the Sale and Purchase Agreement, and why Signing and Closing can constitute quite distinctive milestones in an M&A project.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
M&A Tasks
After demonstrating why cash flow is an important basis for valuation Module 3 presents how to challenge systematically target’s assumptions on revenues, costs and capital reviewing the target business. Module 3 presents how value is created by M&A, and how synergies are both identified and prioritized. Further, Module 3 explains how to prepare for post merger integration in order to implement planned synergies and to stabilize the target business illustrating among others the role of Target Operating Model (TOM), Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), Earn-out Agreements and M&A deal types.
Pre-Due-Diligence
- Teaser
- Confidential Information Memorandum
- Indicative Offer
- Seller´s perspective
- Case
- Expert statement
Due-Diligence
- Areas of analysis
- Data Request List
- Case
- Expert statement
- Electronic Data Room
- Key functionalities
- Management presentation
- Other information sources
- Workout
- Due Diligence Report
- Case
- Expert statement
Post Due-Diligence
- Updated Offer
- Reps and warranties
- SPA and Signing
- Closing
FAQ
For specialists and managers who want to accompany or actively organise M&A transactions.
M&A strategy and Project Organization, the Due Dilligence phases, the M&A tasks and the PMI preparation.
The three modules take around 8-10 hours to complete.
In particular, the M&A Integration Associate training is recommended for those who wish to build on this course and further deepen their PMI preparation.
Participants work on a case study and submit a written assignment. They defend this in an oral online examination.
After successfully completing the programme, you will receive the certificate ‘Certified Mergers & Acquistions Associate’ from Frankfurt School.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Together, we'll find the right path for your professional development.
+49 69 154008-9302
seminare@fs.de

