The course focuses on Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in modern financial markets. The course starts with a general overview of markets for corporate control and recent market developments. Based on the strategic rationale of M&A deals, students will learn the foundations of transaction processes and of deal financing. A vital part of this process is the pricing of the deal. Company valuation will, therefore, be an important part of the course.
- Why companies engage in M&A transactions
- The characteristics of different kinds of M&A deals: mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, divestitures, carve-outs etc.
- How M&A processes are structured
- How hostile takeovers work and how companies can defend against them
- How valuations work (relative and intrinsic)
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.
Duration
Location
Language
Course fee

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 2005-2006. His research focuses on Private Equity, Venture Capital, Fixed Income, Financial Contracting, and Compensation in the Finance Industry.