Mergers & Acquisitions

4.0 credits

This course builds on the corporate finance foundations of FIN 205 to deliver a rigorous, practice oriented toolkit for valuing and executing mergers and acquisitions. You will learn to identify target companies, forecast free cash flows via the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model and valuation multiples (e.g., P/E ratios), and assess deal merits through a blend of strategic thinking, Excel analysis, and AI powered tools. Along the way, we’ll work through event study case analyses of landmark transactions – such as Chevron and Tesla – to see valuation theory in action, and we’ll study recorded presentations from business leaders to understand how they communicate M&A deals to investors. Later, we’ll dive into leveraged buyouts and LBO modeling techniques. Assessment includes problem sets, individual flash talks on recent deals, at least one group project, and in class presentations, each designed to mirror technology enabled, real world M&A practice.