Course Details

Business Combinations

This course will focus on mergers and acquisitions from both a business and legal perspective. Students will learn the practical aspects of these so-called ¿change of control¿ transactions, from the initial motivations for business combinations and continuing through due diligence, negotiating the deal, and working towards the successful post-deal integration of management and operations. Along the way, the course will address state law requirements for mergers and acquisitions, approaches for contract negotiation and drafting, fiduciary duties of directors and business managers, antitrust concerns, and federal securities law requirements. Intellectual property is often a driver in business combinations and its place in these transactions will be a focus. The course will also explore strategies businesses use when trying to avoid hostile takeovers, and the inherent conflict between managers and business owners when considering possible business combinations. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to real-world deal documents and will learn about the different skills they will need, and roles they may serve, in acquisition transactions. Pre-req: Business Formation and structure.

Catalog Number: BUSCOM 945-0

Additional Course Information: MSL students only


Course History

Spring 2024
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 40     Actual: 3

Spring 2024
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 13

Spring 2023
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 40     Actual: 11

Spring 2023
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 36

Spring 2022
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 40     Actual: 5

Spring 2022
Title: Business Combinations
Faculty: Reed, Stephen F. (courses | profile)
Section: 1ON     Credits: 1.5
Capacity: 50     Actual: 23