FM421 Half Unit
Finance for Mergers, Buyouts and Corporate Restructurings
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Pedro Saffi
Availability
This course is available on the Global MSc in Management, MSc in Accounting and Finance, MSc in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, MSc in Economics and Management, MSc in Finance and Economics, MSc in Finance and Economics (Work Placement Pathway) and MSc in Finance and Risk. 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.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 12:00 (noon) UK time. You will be notified whether you have been offered a place by 12:00 (noon) on Friday 3 October 2025.
Priority is given to Department of Finance students, for whom this course is not capped. Any Department of Finance students who request a place by Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 12:00 (noon) UK time will be given one.
Second priority is then given to students on the other programmes listed in the Course Availability who meet the availability criteria and pre-requisite criteria. These students are likely to be given a place, but this is not guaranteed, and chances of gaining a place are increased if the course is selected by Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 12:00 (noon) UK time.
Finally, outside option requests who meet the pre-requisite criteria will be considered if space remains.
Please contact finance.teachingmanager@lse.ac.uk with any queries.
This course is not capped for Department of Finance students; any students that request a place in Autumn Term will be given one. For students from other departments who meet the necessary criteria (outlined below), you are likely to be given a place, but this is not guaranteed. Chances of gaining a place on this course are increased if it is selected during initial course selection in the Autumn Term.
Students on the MSc in Global Management ('Accounting and Finance' and 'Finance' concentrations only).
Students on any programme other than the MSc in Finance and Economics, or the MSc in Finance and Economics (Work Placement Pathway), may only take this course if they have taken at least one of the following courses in the Autumn Term: FM474A Managerial Finance or FM431A Corporate Finance A. There will be no exceptions to this rule.
This course does not permit auditing students.
Requisites
Mutually exclusive courses:
This course cannot be taken with FM4T2 at any time on the same degree programme.
Co-requisites:
Students must complete FM474A or FM431A or FM436 either before taking this course or in the same year as this course.
Additional requisites:
This is an advanced applied course and a thorough understanding of the major theoretical issues and concepts is required.
Course content
This course is designed to help students learn how to apply various theoretical frameworks to solve real-world problems that are commonly faced by corporate managers, investors, and entrepreneurs. The course will likely be useful for students who plan to pursue a professional career in finance or an academic career in finance and economics.
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.
This course will be taught in two separate groups. Each group will meet for a single block of three hours once a week. Each student will be assigned to one group. Students will not be allowed to choose their groups or to switch groups.
The course requires weekly in-class activities and discussions. Students must prepare for class activities in advance. Attendance is required.
Formative assessment
Weekly assignments based on case studies will be assigned to students. Each case’s assignment questions will be discussed in class.
Indicative reading
Course materials (lecture notes and case studies) will be provided to the students at the start of the course.
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 150 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Continuous assessment (10%)
Key facts
Department: Finance
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 200
Average class size 2024/25: 100
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.