This module focuses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in modern financial markets. It begins with an overview of markets for corporate control and recent developments in M&A activity. Based on the strategic rationale of transactions, students learn the foundations of deal processes and financing structures. A central aspect of the course is deal pricing, with a strong emphasis on company valuation as a key analytical tool. Students are introduced to core concepts, including corporate governance, the market for corporate control, due diligence, pre-merger integration, hostile takeovers and defense mechanisms, deal financing, and different forms of corporate restructuring, such as spin-offs, carve-outs, joint ventures, and divestitures.
- Value firms engaged in M&A
- Plan and structure M&A processes
- Explain why companies engage in M&A transactions
- Analyze how hostile takeovers work and how companies can defend against them
- Analyze the characteristics of different kinds of M&A deals: mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, divestitures, carve-outs, leveraged buyouts, etc.
This course is part of the prestigious part-time Master in Finance program, conducted in English on Fridays and Saturdays on Campus Westend. It offers a valuable opportunity to network and gain expertise without committing to a full degree program. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Participation. As the number of seats is limited, we recommend to register early. If you're a GBS or Goethe University alum, explore our attractive alumni discount options.
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Next course offering: Summer Semester 2027. New dates will be announced soon.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bienz
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carsten Bienz joined the Norwegian School of Economics in 2006. He became a tenured Associate Professor in 2009. Carsten holds a Diploma in Economics from Eberhardt Karls University Tübingen and a doctorate in Finance from Goethe University Frankfurt. Prior to coming to NHH, he spent a year as a post-doc at the London School of Economics from 2005 to 2006. His research focuses on Private Equity, Venture Capital, Fixed Income, Financial Contracting, and Compensation in the Finance Industry.