Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to develop, utilise, and review financial models effectively, ensuring they can be used to support strategic decision-making and financial analysis with confidence.
What is Inside the manual?
M&A Strategies
This section introduces the core concepts of M&A, explaining the goals of acquisitions, including the pursuit of synergies through scale, scope, and diversification. It also covers acquisition and disposal strategies, providing a foundation for understanding the strategic rationale behind M&As.
Acquiring Private Companies
Offering a process overview from the early stages through to post-completion, this section is crucial for understanding the nuances involved in private company acquisitions. It includes detailed steps such as target analysis, due diligence, and the finalization of sale and purchase agreements.
Selling Private Companies
This part parallels the acquisition process but from the perspective of selling private companies. It details disposal strategies, preparation for sale, and different approaches to achieving a sale, such as demergers, auctions, and the 'rifleshot' approach.
Public Company Takeovers
Focusing on the regulatory environment, the takeover process (both friendly and hostile), and defence tactics, this section is key for anyone involved in or studying public company takeovers.
Successful M&A
Concluding with what determines success and failure in acquisitions, this section emphasizes the importance of planning, implementation, and integration.
Financial Modelling
The guide covers everything from basic model structure, naming conventions, and sheet consistency, to more advanced topics like data consolidation, the use of arrays, and handling date series. It also delves into the nuances of Excel, such as relative vs. absolute references, using logical functions, and managing volatile functions.