Harry Phillips on Advancing an M&A Career
Harry Phillips, M&A Director at KPMG, shares how joining M&A and Corporate Strategy helped sharpen his strategic lens and elevate his impact.
M&A and Corporate Strategy
- Requirements
- This program is designed for professionals with a strong foundation in finance and business concepts, including familiarity with financial modeling, valuation techniques, and corporate strategy. Participants should possess basic knowledge of M&A principles and terminology, along with understanding concepts such as discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis and financial statement analysis.
M&A and Corporate Strategy
Overview
Strategic growth is on the minds of executives across the globe, with mergers & acquisitions (M&A) playing a central role in shaping corporate strategies. The evolving M&A landscape reflects a deeper recognition of the need for businesses to adapt in a fast-paced and technologically advanced environment. Companies are using M&A to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, particularly those arising from advances in technology, environmental considerations, and changing market conditions. This shift indicates a broader application of M&A as a strategic tool for business transformation and securing a competitive edge in the global market.
With our comprehensive and engaging four-day M&A and Corporate Strategy executive education program, participants will delve into the intricacies of M&A and corporate strategy, gaining essential knowledge and skills for effective deal-making, including:
- What are the core principles and stages of Mergers & Acquisitions?
- How do market dynamics and human factors influence M&A outcomes?
- What are the proven strategies for successful deal sourcing and closure?
- How can effective communication impact M&A negotiations and public perception?
- What role does valuation play in the M&A process, and what are the key methods?
- How can companies maximize success and mitigate risks in M&A transactions?
- What are the common pitfalls in M&A, and how can they be avoided?
- How does debt influence the structure and success of an M&A deal?
Please contact our Learning Solutions Specialists at +1 212-854-3395 for a personal conversation to learn more.
Impact
With this M&A and Corporate Strategy program, participants will have an opportunity to:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the M&A process, from the intricacies of deal sourcing to the complexities of transaction closure
- Develop the ability to critically analyze the strategic reasons for engaging in or avoiding M&A transactions
- Explore the role of valuation in M&A, gaining proficiency in various valuation methods and grasping the financial calculations integral to deals
- Learn effective strategies to capture value in M&A, focusing on creating revenue and cost synergies
- Acquire knowledge of best practices in due diligence, deal documentation, and transaction structuring for M&A deals
- Enhance decision-making skills by evaluating real-world M&A cases to assess the success and 'benefit of the bargain' achieved in these mergers
Program Structure
M&A expert Donna M. Hitscherich leads this highly engaging, immersive mergers and acquisitions executive education program. Theory meets practice in this four-day M&A and corporate strategy program that helps participants understand the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions and features in-depth and research-led analysis taught by faculty who are world leaders in their field and at the forefront of finance and investing. Hear from expert practitioners accessible through Columbia Business School's unique networks, intellectual access, and NYC location. This engaging program delves into many aspects of the M&A deal process, from initial sourcing to the final stages of closing. Participants will engage with real-world case studies and hear insights from dynamic guest speakers from the industry.
Schedule
In-Person: Four consecutive full days of in-person sessions on the Manhattanville campus in NYC. Includes breakfast, lunch, and all materials for the in-person program.
To view an agenda for this program, please connect with a Learning Solutions specialist. Contact us.
Dates, fees, and locations are subject to change.
Participant Profile
Our M&A and Corporate Strategy program is suitable for:
- Senior-level executives (CEO, CFO, CIO, COO) overseeing organizational growth and investment strategies
- Mid-level finance and investment managers, such as Financial Analysts, CPAs, Actuaries, and Investment Managers
- Professionals with a background in corporate finance, capital markets, or investment management
- Individuals with a strong understanding of financial concepts like DCF models, risk and return, and asset valuation
- Consultants, legal advisors, and paralegals specializing in M&A transactions
- Executives seeking a comprehensive grasp of M&A dynamics for informed leadership
Faculty
Donna Hitscherich
Senior Lecturer of Finance
Private Equity Program Co-Director
Faculty Director
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers are subject to change.
Participant Interviews
FAQ
Certification
I’m interested in the Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE), how do I get started?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, you’ll be able to customize a unique learning experience by selecting programs that best interest you and are most suited for your needs. Any completed program, regardless of format (live online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.
Which programs qualify for the CIBE?
Any completed executive education program, regardless of format (live-online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence. Partner programs will also count towards the certificate.
What programs are considered partner programs?
Executive education programs developed and administered with our educational partners, bring the best of our combined knowledge, thought leadership, resources, and expertise. Kindly find a list of our partners here on our partnership page.
What are the costs of the certificate?
There’s no set cost associated with the certificate path since you’re able to customize your learning journey with in-person and online programs (price will vary depending on the program type and length).
Are there any tuition assistance or scholarships?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, we offer non-degree and non-credit-based professional development programs to the global business community. As our programs are non-degree and non-credit, they do not qualify for financial aid.
How are CIBE credits determined?
Credits for a program are determined by the program duration and total learning hours.
Where do I find information on the credit value for a program?
You will find this information on each program page. Credits range from 0.5 credits – 26 credits per program.
How do I get enrolled in the CIBE?
Your certificate journey will start with your first program, and you have 4 years to complete your CIBE. You may register for any of our executive education programs on each program page. You may enroll using the “Enroll Now” button, and the application process should take 5-10 minutes.
How do I receive credits?
You are required to fully attend a program and complete all necessary coursework in order to receive CIBE credits. Credits are only awarded after you complete a program.
How do I check the status of my Certificate completion?
Kindly reach out to a Learning Solutions representative for any questions on the status of your CIBE credit count.
Do CIBE credits expire?
Credits are only valid for four years (Please note: While we are not able to offer in-person programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration to complete the programming has been extended to five years.). If you have not completed your CIBE within four years, we will only count non-expired credits towards your CIBE credit total.
Does the Certificate in Business Excellence expire?
Your Certificate in Business Excellence does not expire. Once you become a certificate recipient, you will join the greater alumni community at Columbia Business School.
I’ve reached 18 CIBE credits, what’s next?
Congratulations! You should receive a digital copy of your certificate at the end of your program. If you do not receive a copy from your program manager, kindly contact your Learning Solutions representative or your program manager for next steps.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
Upon completion, you will receive a secure, digital certificate through Accredible. Within the platform you will have the option to print your credential, post it to your LinkedIn feed, or display it on your profile as a certification. Please contact your program manager for the status of your digital certificate.
How do I get access to my alumni benefits?
Once you complete your CIBE, we kindly ask for your patience as we process your alumni credentials. The processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks long.
Can I add the Certificate in Business Excellence to LinkedIn?
Yes! We will provide you with instructions on how to add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile after you become a Certificate recipient.
Preferred Pricing and Tuition Benefits for Alumni
Are there preferred pricing options available?
Yes, preferred pricing is available for groups of two or more. To inquire, email execed@gsb.columbia.edu.
As a Columbia Business School alumni am I eligible for tuition benefit?
When you earn a Certificate in Business Excellence you will receive a 25 percent tuition benefit for full-price Executive Education in-person programs lasting three and four days and all full-price online programs. Exclusions apply**
Which programs do not qualify for a 25 percent tuition benefit?
- Columbia Senior Executive Program
- Executive Development Program
- Emerging Leader Development Program
- Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Executive
- High Impact Leadership
- Leadership Essential
- Leading Strategic Growth and Change
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
- Venture Capital Private Equity
- Global Banking Program: Fintech, Digital, and Analytics
- Executive Program in Management
- Strategic Wealth Manager
Assignments
Will there be any homework or assignments?
For select programs, there will be some assignments to complete after the end of select program sessions. Assignments will typically consist of readings, self-reflections, and brief assessments. This approach is designed to help you practice your learnings.
How long will assignments take?
We do not expect that homework assignments will take up a large amount of time to complete.
Will there be any examinations or grades?
There will be no examinations or grades for our live online programs.
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