Executive M&A Professional

Certificate Expert Course | ONLINE

Become an Executive M&A Professional

Master the complexities of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and strengthen your expertise across the entire M&A lifecycle. Frankfurt School’s Executive M&A Professional online programme combines academic insights with real-world best practices, covering corporate strategy, business valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, post-merger integration, carve-outs and private equity. Designed for experienced professionals, the course provides practical tools and insights to successfully navigate buy-side and sell-side transactions, manage risks and drive long-term value creation.

Duration

6 months

Starting in March and in September

Language

English

Format & Credits

Online | 6 ECTS

Price

Early Bird: EUR 1,600

Regular Fee: EUR 1,900

Early Bird Fee available until 15 January/ 15 July

Master the complexities of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and strengthen your expertise across the entire M&A lifecycle. Frankfurt School’s Executive M&A Professional online programme combines academic insights with real-world best practices, covering corporate strategy, business valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, post-merger integration, carve-outs and private equity. Designed for experienced professionals, the course provides practical tools and insights to successfully navigate buy-side and sell-side transactions, manage risks and drive long-term value creation.

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Programme at a Glance

Format: Online | Part-Time | Self-Paced

Focus: Mergers, Acquisitions, Strategy

Certificate: Certified Expert 

Launch Year: 2026

Module of: Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance 

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Why Study M&A at Frankfurt School?

Gain a comprehensive understanding of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) at Frankfurt School, where academic excellence meets real-world expertise. The Executive M&A Professional programme combines academic insights with best practices from more than 20 leading companies, including BASF, Bayer, Mercedes-Benz, SAP and Würth. Covering the entire M&A lifecycle from both buy-side and sell-side perspectives, the programme provides practical expertise in valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, post-merger integration, carve-outs and private equity. Through real-world case studies and hands-on exercises, you develop skills you can apply directly to M&A transactions. The flexible 100% online format allows you to advance your expertise alongside your professional commitments.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Executive M&A Professional programme, you will be able to:

  1. Align M&A with corporate strategy: Understand how acquisitions, mergers and divestitures support strategic objectives and long-term value creation.
  2. Apply essential M&A tools: Use core concepts and approaches in business valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring and risk management.
  3. Navigate buy-side and sell-side transactions: Understand the key stages, processes and best practices involved in acquisitions and divestitures.
  4. Manage integration and separation processes: Identify critical success factors in post-merger integration and corporate carve-outs.
  5. Understand the private equity perspective: Gain insights into private equity investment strategies, leveraged buyouts and the role of private equity firms as potential buyers

IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU?

The Executive M&A Professional programme is designed for professionals with initial experience in Mergers & Acquisitions who want to deepen their expertise and develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire M&A lifecycle.

The programme is particularly relevant for:

  • Corporate professionals working in M&A, corporate strategy, corporate development, business development, finance, legal, tax or human resources.
  • Advisory and financial services professionals working in investment banking, management consulting, accounting, legal advisory or tax advisory.
  • Investment professionals working in private equity firms, family offices or related investment functions.
  • Business owners and executives involved in acquisitions, divestitures or strategic business transformations.

Whether you are involved in buy-side or sell-side transactions, the programme equips you with the knowledge and practical tools to navigate complex M&A processes and contribute to value creation.

Your Benefits

What you will gain from becoming an Expert M&A Professional from Frankfurt School

  1. Comprehensive M&A Expertise: Gain an end-to-end understanding of the M&A lifecycle, from corporate strategy and valuation to transaction execution, post-merger integration and carve-outs.
  2. Practical, Real-World Insights: Benefit from best practices drawn from more than 20 leading companies and apply your knowledge through case studies and hands-on exercises.
  3. Buy-Side, Sell-Side and Private Equity Perspectives: Explore acquisitions, divestitures and private equity investment strategies to identify opportunities and drive value creation.
  4. Flexible Online Learning: Study 100% online and advance your M&A expertise alongside your professional commitments.
  5. Career-Relevant Skills: Strengthen your strategic and financial decision-making capabilities and prepare for greater responsibilities in M&A and corporate development.

DISCOUNTS

  1. Early Bird Discount for registrations by 15 January / 15 July
  2. Group Discount (10%) for two or more participants from the same company
  3. Alumni Discount (10%) for Frankfurt School alumni
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COURSE OUTLINE

Select a module from the table to view additional information.
Unit 1

Executing Strategy via M&A 

Executing Strategy via M&A 

Unit 2

Valuation: How Much to Pay 

Valuation: How Much to Pay 

Unit 3

Mitigating Risks I: Due Diligence

Mitigating Risks I: Due Diligence

Unit 4

Mitigating Risks II: Sale and Purchase Agreement, Warranties & Indemnities, Insurances, Earn-Outs 

Mitigating Risks II: Sale and Purchase Agreement, Warranties & Indemnities, Insurances, Earn-Outs 

Unit 5

Buy-side M&A Process: Transaction Phase 

Buy-side M&A Process: Transaction Phase 

Unit 6

Buy-side M&A Process: Integration Phase 

Buy-side M&A Process: Integration Phase 

Unit 7

Sell-side M&A Process: Separation Phase 

Sell-side M&A Process: Separation Phase 

Unit 8

Sell-side M&A Process: Transaction Phase 

Sell-side M&A Process: Transaction Phase 

Unit 9

Understanding Private Equity

Understanding Private Equity

STUDY JOURNEY

Step
01

Register

The course starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September
Step
02

Participate

6 months, 100% online, self-pace, self-study, few deadlines
Step
03

Pass the Exam

Online, offered twice a year
Step
04

Get Certified

Receive your e-certificate

Download key programme information

Download your brochure now to explore programme details, registration information, and learn how Frankfurt School can support you on your professional journey.

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FAQs

The Executive M&A Professional programme starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September. Early registration is recommended to secure your early bird discount.

While scholarships are not offered for Certified Expert programmes, Frankfurt School provides several discount options, including early bird, group, and alumni discounts. Please check the programme page or contact the team for current offers and eligibility.

After successfully passing the final exam, participants receive an official Frankfurt School certificate. The certificate includes 6 ECTS credits.

Yes, although the programme is flexible, it includes defined deadlines for assignments, course completion, and the final exam. These ensure structured progress and successful completion within the designated timeframe.

Yes, the Certified Expert in Microfinance programme includes live sessions and interactive discussions with lecturers and peers. All sessions are recorded and made available for participants who are unable to attend in real time.

Yes, participants can engage with lecturers, course coordinators, and peers through discussion forums and live sessions, enabling knowledge exchange and networking.

If needed, you can apply for a course extension and continue from where you left off. Extensions are available for up to three years after the course end date and require an administrative fee of €200. 

Late enrolment (1 month after course start) is possible. However, joining after the start date can make it more challenging to meet deadlines. 

Yes, enrolling in multiple courses is possible. 

Payment in instalments is not offered. Full payment is required prior to the start of the programme.

CONTACT

Finn Patrick Bourke

Programme Coordinator

e-campus@fs.de 

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