Mergers and Acquisitions

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Merger & acquisition activity is a mainstay of the growth characteristics of large firms. It has been a feature of business life for well over a century. Whilst there have been many merger ’waves’ over the years, this pathway to growth has constantly maintained its importance. This subject begins with an examination of the history of, and reasons for, merger and acquisition activity thereby providing a rationale for the study of the whole of the merger & acquisition process. This process extends from the decision to acquire through to the means of achieving successful post-merger integration.

The subject will concentrate on the four fundamental elements of M&A:

• Undertaking deals for the right reasons – strategy
• Ensuring the right price is paid – valuation
• Finding the right information on which to make the decision – due diligence
• Making the deal work after completion – post-merger integration

Studying these and other elements of M&A will utilise all the skills you have developed in the core subjects of your MBA.

On completion of this subject, students should:

• Know the reasons behind the continuing levels of M&A activity.
• Appreciate the impact of regulatory considerations on M&A deals.
• Understand the interactive elements that make up successful mergers and acquisitions.
• Have a working knowledge of how to go about managing a merger or acquisition.
• Be able to actively participate, as a member of management, in elements of an acquisition.

• Individual assignment (20%)
• 1,000 words
• Week 2

• 2 Syndicate assignments (30%)
• equivalent to individual 2,000 word assessment
• Week 3 & 4

• Final examination (50%)
  • Hurdle requirement
  • 2 hours
  • End of subject

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.