Training Guide

Overview of an M&A Deal

Training Guide

Overview of an M&A Deal

Topic: M&A Basics
Duration: 1 hr
Format: Remote or in person

What’s Covered

Assembling the deal team and the working group list
Initial deal documents
The due diligence process
The main deal documents
Signing and closing
Post-closing

Before the Session

Prepare the Attendees

Send the attendees an invitation for the session. Include this link, which has the videos and exercise they’ll need to prepare.

https://www.hotshotlegal.com/trainings/overview-of-an-m-a-deal/attendee

Prepare Yourself

Watch the videos and read the exercise so you’re familiar with the Hotshot material.

Course

Deal Process Overview

Learn about the overall M&A deal process, from setting up the deal team to the post-closing.
Exercise

Deal Process Overview
PDF

During the Session

Part 1: Knowledge Check

Ask attendees these questions to ensure they understand the topic:

What are some initial deal documents?
What are the first few phases of the deal process?
Name some of the main deal documents.
What are the two types of closings for M&A deals?
What happens in the post-closing stage of a deal?

Part 2: Group Exercise

Lead a group discussion based on the exercise. To encourage collaboration, divide the attendees into groups to discuss the exercise, then have a representative from each group summarize their views to the larger group. Call on people to share their thoughts and ask others to respond.

Tip for remote sessions: use your web conferencing system’s breakout room feature to divide people into groups.

Part 3: War Stories and Firm Specifics

Share your own experiences and guidance, including:

Anecdotes and war stories (e.g., about a near-disaster or a tough negotiation)
General practice tips (dos and don’ts)
Firm-specific guidance and practices

After the Session

To continue their learning, attendees can check out related courses in Hotshot’s M&A Basics topic.

About Hotshot

Hotshot helps lawyers develop their legal, business, and technology skills through short videos, quizzes, and summaries, and we help law firms and law schools plan and deliver engaging training programs. Our customers include Am Law 200 firms, top law schools, and regional and international firms.