FM407 Half Unit
Mergers, Buyouts and Corporate Restructurings
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Amil Dasgupta
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Finance (full-time), MSc in Finance (full-time) (Work Placement Pathway), MSc in Finance and Private Equity and MSc in Finance and Private Equity (Work Placement Pathway). This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
All students on a programme listed under the Course Availability will be given a place. The course is not capped.
Please contact finance.teachingmanager@lse.ac.uk with any queries.
This course is not capped, any eligible student that requests a place will be given one.
This course does not permit auditing students.
Requisites
Co-requisites:
Students must complete FM422 and FM423 either before taking this course or in the same year as this course.
Course content
- Financial analysis of corporate transactions
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Leveraged buyouts
- Corporate restructuring in financial distress
- Shareholder activism
This course focuses on the strategy, valuation and execution of corporate deals. In particular, the course examines several key types of transactions including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, restructuring in financial distress, and shareholder activism. The course combines in-depth analysis based on financial economics drawing on academic research with a sustained focus on institutional details, utilizing a number of case studies to support the learning process.
Teaching
30 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course is taught in the interactive lecturing format. There is no distinction between lectures and classes/seminars; there are “sessions” only, and the pedagogical approach in each session is interactive.
Formative assessment
Students will be expected to complete coursework regularly.
Indicative reading
A course pack will be distributed that includes case studies as well as additional readings such as textbook chapters, and practitioner articles.
Assessment
Continuous assessment (100%)
Key facts
Department: Finance
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 106
Average class size 2024/25: 53
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills