In today's dynamic global marketplace, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances are powerful tools for driving growth, entering new markets, and achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. This training course is designed to equip leaders, executives, and professionals with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to successfully navigate the complex world of corporate transactions. We will explore how to identify strategic opportunities, conduct thorough due diligence, and structure deals that unlock long-term value for all stakeholders. This program is an essential resource for anyone committed to steering their organization toward a future of strategic expansion and market leadership.

This intensive five-day program moves beyond theoretical concepts to a practical, hands-on approach, providing participants with a deep understanding of the entire deal-making lifecycle. You will learn to master financial valuation techniques, negotiate with confidence, and manage the critical process of post-merger integration to ensure successful outcomes. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the confidence and expertise to lead with authority and purpose. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to architect strategic transactions that create lasting value and position your institution for enduring success.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• CEOs and executive directors
• Corporate development professionals
• Investment bankers and private equity analysts
• Board members and corporate secretaries
• Legal and governance professionals
• Senior vice presidents and general managers
• Strategic planners and policy advisors
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Financial controllers and CFOs
• Professionals responsible for strategic alliances

Objectives:

• Understand the strategic rationale for mergers, acquisitions, and alliances
• Grasp the full lifecycle of a corporate transaction, from strategy to integration
• Formulate a framework for identifying and evaluating potential targets
• Analyze and apply key financial valuation techniques
• Develop a strategy for conducting thorough due diligence
• Master the principles of negotiation and deal structuring
• Assess and mitigate the risks associated with transactions
• Lead the process of post-merger integration to achieve synergy
• Interpret lessons from global case studies to inform strategic decisions

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Strategic Rationale

• The distinction between mergers, acquisitions, and alliances
• The strategic drivers of M&A and alliances
• Understanding the role of market entry and competitive advantage
• The impact of a transaction on a company’s valuation
• The importance of a clear and compelling strategic vision

Module 2: The Deal-Making Lifecycle

• The stages of a transaction, from pre-deal to post-deal
• The role of a deal team and external advisors
• The importance of a disciplined and systematic approach
• The strategic importance of a long-term perspective
• The challenges of managing a fast-paced transaction

Module 3: Target Identification and Screening

• The process of identifying and screening potential targets
• The use of market research and competitor analysis
• The importance of a strategic fit analysis
• Developing a framework for a "build vs. buy" decision
• The role of a leader in setting the search criteria

Module 4: Financial Valuation

• The principles of financial modeling and valuation
• The use of discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis
• The role of comparable company and precedent transaction analysis
• Understanding the concept of a control premium
• The importance of a realistic and conservative valuation

Module 5: Due Diligence

• The components of a comprehensive due diligence process
• The role of financial, legal, and operational diligence
• Identifying and quantifying potential risks
• The importance of a data room and a diligence checklist
• The challenges of managing a complex due diligence process

Module 6: Negotiation and Deal Structuring

• The principles of negotiation and persuasion
• The use of a term sheet and a letter of intent
• The role of legal counsel in deal structuring
• The importance of a win-win mindset
• The art of a successful closing

Module 7: Post-Merger Integration (PMI)

• The challenges of post-merger integration
• The importance of a clear integration plan
• The role of communication and change management
• The importance of a culture and people integration strategy
• Measuring the success of an integration

Module 8: Strategic Alliances

• The strategic rationale for forming an alliance
• The process of selecting a partner
• The importance of a clear and consistent alliance agreement
• The role of a leader in managing the relationship
• The challenges of managing a long-term partnership

Module 9: The Future of M&A

• The impact of technology and AI on deal-making
• The role of ESG in due diligence and valuation
• The importance of a leader in navigating regulatory changes
• The challenges of cross-border transactions
• A strategic roadmap for your professional journey

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.