Module ASB-4437:
Merger and Acquisition

Module Facts

Run by Bangor Business School

15.000 Credits or 7.500 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Yener Altunbas

Overall aims and purpose

To introduce the theoretical and institutional aspects of M&A. To provide a theoretical basis for an empirical analysis of governance issues concerned with M&A incentives and outcomes, and the reciprocal relation between M&A incentives and its constituencies. To analyse the typology of M&A, the development and execution of an acquisition strategy, the valuation of the target, the conduct of the negotiation, and the implementation of the post-merger integration plan.

Course content

Theory of the firm: "Build vs Buy"; Current issues in the M&A landscape; Motives for M&A; How do mergers work? When do mergers work? Winners and losers; Valuation in the context of an acquisition; Criteria for value-adding acquisitions; Cross-border vs domestic acquisitions. Advisers in Mergers.

Assessment Criteria

good

Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

High Standard:
Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

excellent

An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

threshold

No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand the theoretical, regulatory and institutional framework of M&A.

  2. Understand current empirical research in the field of M&A valuation.

  3. Undertake active research in the M&A field by applying a variety of methodologies and adjusting for a number of factors that affect synergies and performance.

  4. Understand financial modelling related to M&A.

  5. Understand and evaluate critically the important economic activity of M&A.

  6. Understand the implications of cross-border restructuring strategies.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
ESSAY Essay

2,500 word essay analysing a contemporary issue in M&A market.

 50.00
EXAM Final Examination

2-hour end-of-semester exam, covering the full breadth of the module syllabus.

 50.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Lecture - 24 hours.

 24
 

Self study - 114 hours

 114
Tutorial

Tutorial - 12 hours

 12

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: