NEWSLETTER

Your career update in your inbox

Certified M&A Associate
(buy-side)

Certificate Course

Your next career step

The Certified M&A Associate (buy-side) is based on the fully digital and self-paced training programme M&A2go. M&A2go has been developed by the former Deloitte partner, Dr. Johannes Gerds, together with senior experts from Bertelsmann, Brose, QIAGEN, TÜV Rheinland, Vossloh and Werhahn.

 

Next start date

upon request

Duration

3 Months

Language

English

Format

Online

Type of education

Certificate Course

Price

€1,480.00

The Certified M&A Associate (buy-side) is based on the fully digital and self-paced training programme M&A2go. M&A2go has been developed by the former Deloitte partner, Dr. Johannes Gerds, together with senior experts from Bertelsmann, Brose, QIAGEN, TÜV Rheinland, Vossloh and Werhahn.

 

woman with blue clothes

Your Benefits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of buy-side M&A through real-world insights from senior experts.
 

  1. Seven senior experts with a combined experience of more than 250 M&A transactions share their know-how.
  2. Seven case studies help you leveraging best practices and lessons learned from real-life examples.
  3. Eight interactive workouts enable you to directly apply proven approaches and effective tactics.
  4. Benefit from the active international Frankfurt School community.
Blue Frankfurt School logo displayed on a large screen with people talking below.

Advance Your Career

High-impact programs to boost your skills and network.

High-impact programs to boost your skills and network.

REGISTRATION

Online - Any time

8 – 10 hours study time
English
EUR 1.480

REGISTRATION

Online - Any time

8 – 10 hours study time
English
EUR 1.480

Target group

All who are, or want to be, involved in a buy-side M&A project

METHODOLOGY

Fully digital, self-paced training programme - including multimedia animations, case studies, interactive workouts, self checks, best practices and lessons learned

Content

Module 1

M&A Framework

M&A requires a clear strategic rationale.

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 and 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

Module 2

M&A Phases

Every M&A project consist of three major 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

Module 3

M&A Tasks

A potential buyer must continuously execute three core 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.

Target Business Review
- Cash flow
- Valuation
- Exercise
- Case
- Expert statement
- Challenge revenue assumptions
- Challenge cost assumptions
- Challenge capital assumptions
- Workout

Synergy Planning
- Value creation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy identification
- Workout
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy assessement
- Cash flow impact and complexity
- Workout

PMI-Preparation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Target Operational Model
- Implementation planning
- Case
- Transition Service Agreements
- Workout
 

Content

Module 1

M&A Framework

M&A requires a clear strategic rationale.

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 and 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

Module 2

M&A Phases

Every M&A project consist of three major 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

Module 3

M&A Tasks

A potential buyer must continuously execute three core 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.

Target Business Review
- Cash flow
- Valuation
- Exercise
- Case
- Expert statement
- Challenge revenue assumptions
- Challenge cost assumptions
- Challenge capital assumptions
- Workout

Synergy Planning
- Value creation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy identification
- Workout
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy assessement
- Cash flow impact and complexity
- Workout

PMI-Preparation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Target Operational Model
- Implementation planning
- Case
- Transition Service Agreements
- Workout
 

Content

Module 1

M&A Framework

M&A requires a clear strategic rationale.

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 and 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

Module 2

M&A Phases

Every M&A project consist of three major 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

Module 3

M&A Tasks

A potential buyer must continuously execute three core 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.

Target Business Review
- Cash flow
- Valuation
- Exercise
- Case
- Expert statement
- Challenge revenue assumptions
- Challenge cost assumptions
- Challenge capital assumptions
- Workout

Synergy Planning
- Value creation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy identification
- Workout
- Case
- Expert statement
- Synergy assessement
- Cash flow impact and complexity
- Workout

PMI-Preparation
- Case
- Expert statement
- Target Operational Model
- Implementation planning
- Case
- Transition Service Agreements
- Workout
 

DETAILS

 

Certifications

Certified M&A Associate Frankfurt School

To attain the title of a Certified M&A Associate Frankfurt School a 8 - 10 page discussion paper for a case study needs to be presented in a 30 min. online meeting.

To attain the title of a “Certified Senior M&A Associate” one of the following programmes needs to be completed in addition: Certified M&A Associate (Joint Ventures & Alliances), or Certified M&A Integration Associate (Post Merger Integration).

Study Time & Examination

  • Study Time: The online training requires approximately 8 - 10 hours of study.
  • Access Period: You will have access to the traininG programme for 3 months after first login. During this time, you can revisit the learning content as often as needed. Please note that the recommended study hours are only indicative and meant to help you estimate the effort required.
  • Completion Guidelines: We strongly encourage you to complete the 8-10 page discussion paper within the 3-month access period. The 30min. online meeting is also scheduled during this timeframe.
  • Postponements and Cancellations: Any changes to the examination schedule, including postponements and cancellations, are subject to fees as outlined in the examination regulations.

 

Book your consultation

FAQ

All who are, or want to be, involved in an M&A project
 

The training consists of three modules that cover a broad range of M&A topics and areas, including target identification, due diligence, valuation, target business review, synergy planning, and PMI prepration
 

The study time for the three modules takes around 8 – 10 hours
 

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.

The M&A Associate (JV&A) is recommended for those who wish to deepen their knowledge on alternative M&A deal types, namely Joint Ventures and Alliances. The M&A Integration Associate (PMI) is recommended for those who wish to deepen their knowledge on the post merger integration after Closing.
 

Downloads

Join us to advance your professional development, strengthen your leadership skills, and gain a decisive competitive advantage. Take the first step and discover new opportunities to move your career forward.

Download

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Together, we'll find the right path for your professional development.
+49 69 154008-9302
seminare@fs.de

Find answers to the most frequently asked organisational questions about our Executive & Professional Education continuing education programmes.

Contact
Sales team