BUS339 Mergers and Acquisitions

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Stig Aleksander Aune

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:Maximum 40 students

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:The course starts in, and includes teaching and assessment during, the autumn semester.

About this course

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with a particular focus on valuation. Students will learn to analyze and understand the entire process, from strategy development to integration, including legal, financial, and organizational aspects. The course is part of the specialization in Strategy and Management Accounting, which combines a broad understanding of business economics with the synthesis of theory and practice. Through case studies and practical tools, students will develop the competence to handle complex business decisions and gain insight into how M&A can be used as a strategic tool for value creation and growth. The course prepares students for careers in management accounting, finance, and strategic consulting.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge of the legal, financial, and organizational implications of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including regulatory requirements and due diligence processes

• has a thorough understanding of post-acquisition integration processes, with a focus on culture, organizational structure, and synergy realization

• has insight into various financing options for M&A

• has knowledge of valuation methods, including discounted cash flow (DCF), multiple analysis, and asset-based valuation, as well as an understanding of their applicability in different M&A scenarios

• has an understanding of negotiation techniques and strategies used in M&A processes, including interest-based negotiation and tactical approaches for value maximization.

Skills

The student

• can apply tools and techniques for due diligence analysis and risk assessment in M&A processes

• can develop strategies for post-merger integration aimed at optimizing value creation

• can evaluate financing alternatives and structure M&A transactions to maximize returns and minimize risk

• can perform company valuations in Excel by applying methods such as DCF, multiple analysis, and asset-based valuation to concrete cases

• can present complex analyses and strategic assessments in a persuasive manner to larger audiences.

General Competence

The student

• can collaborate effectively in teams to solve complex problems

• can communicate complex financial analyses and strategic assessments to various stakeholders

• can apply a holistic approach to M&A as a strategic tool for long-term value creation.

  • Learning activities
    Lectures, group work, and workshops. Campus-based teaching with no streaming. The course is largely case-based, with active participation both in groups and individually.
  • Teaching support
    The instructor is available for academic guidance during lectures and at times agreed upon once the course has started.
  • Prerequisites
    Bachelor of Business Administration or equivalent.
  • Assessment method
    Combined Assessment: consiting of portfolio assessment (70%) and an oral exam (30%). The portfolio assessment consists of quizzes throughout the course and a written 3-hour test at the end of the course period. The oral exam is group-based and takes place during the exam period. There is no possibility of continuation in this course.

  • Examiner scheme
    An external examiner ensures the quality of the syllabus, exam questions, and evaluation principles.
  • Mandatory activity
    -
  • Teaching hours
    Four hours of campus-based lectures per week. No streaming.
  • Preferential right
    Master's students specializing in Strategy and Management Accounting will be given priority.
  • Reduction of credits
    The course overlaps by 5 ECTS credits with BUS335.
  • Admission requirements
    Master's students in Economics and Business Administration specializing in Strategy and Management Accounting will be given priority. The course is also recommended for students with other specializations and students in Industrial Economics, provided they have sufficient prior knowledge.