Executive Master of Mergers & Acquisitions and Valuation

The Executive Master of Mergers Acquisitions and Valuation is a unique M&A programme at an academic master level, covering the entire M&A process from strategy to integration. The programme matches the educational demands of a rising number of M&A professionals.

The part-time programme is jointly offered by the business schools of the University of Groningen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Upon completion, participants will receive a joint master's degree from both universities.

Key benefits of following the program

• You will develop crucial skills in each phase of the deal process – from strategy to execution and integration – as well as a deep understanding of the links between each phase
• You will be able to navigate complex deals by combining skills and tools from fields like strategy, accounting, finance, valuation, legal, ESG, data analytics, organization & change that are crucial to navigate complex deals
• You will be able to perform, present and defend valuations in complex M&A settings
• Accelerated career right from the start due to real life cases taught by leading M&A practitioners
• You will develop presentation and negotiation skills that will make you confident an authoritative in interactions at executive level
• The program will provide you with a valuable network and active alumni community

Why an Executive Master?

This Executive Master is an entirely different proposition than the many short courses available in the market. The full coverage of the M&A process, the depth with which subjects are treated and the link with relevant academic theories and research findings will provide you with a skill set and a foundation that will make your career move. The academic basis of the program means that what you will learn will outlast the latest M&A trend and fads.

Programme

The programme is structured around the flow of the M&A process and covers all key aspects from pre-deal M&A strategy through the deal stage to post-deal integration and carve outs.

Who should attend

• Professionals holding a master's degree from a Dutch university or a foreign degree of at least MSc level, with demonstrable basic knowledge of subjects including financial accounting, financeand valuation, and English proficiency. Combined with 3+ years of experience in M&A and valuation or in adjacent financial fields who want to move into M&A and valuation.
• Our participants are ambitious employees of banks, M&A boutiques, PE and VC, deals departments of accountancy firms, corporate M&A departments.
• Examples of appropriate functions and titles: business development, corporate finance, investment banker, valuation specialist, due diligence, merger integration, restructuring, acquisition finance, investor, investment manager, M&A lawyer, debt advisory.
• Examples of internationally operating employers are ABN AMRO, Achmea, Aegon, ASR Nederland, Deloitte, EY, Gasunie, ING, KPMG, KPN, PWC, Rabobank, Royal Philips, and Schiphol Airport.

Admissions procedure

Eligibility of a candidate is assessed during an intake with the programme director who checks obtained degree, finished education, work experience, language proficiency and learning goals. Based on this intake, the programme director advises the board of admission on the eligibility of the candidate. The board of admission decides on eligibility after which registration is possible. In some cases a tailormade deficiency programme is prescribed. The board of admission decides within 10 working days on eligibility. The deadline for admission is September 1.

For more information and to schedule an intake, please contact the programme manager.

Joint degree

The Executive Master of M&A and Valuation is a joint degree programme of the University of Groningen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. It is accredited by the NVAO as a joint programme. On completion, you receive one degree certificate from both universities and the degree of Master of Science.

The University of Groningen is the coordinating institution: you register there, and its tuition fee regulations apply. Both universities are jointly responsible for the programme’s content, teaching and assessment. You have access to the facilities of the University of Groningen.

Register Valuator

The Executive Master of M&A and Valuation is recognised by the Netherlands Institute of Register Valuators (NiRV). After graduating, you can apply for registration as a Register Valuator. To be admitted, you defend a valuation report before the NiRV admissions committee. Once registered, you must meet the NiRV’s permanent education requirements to keep the title.

Learning experience

• A diverse group of max. 25 students working in different fields and roles in M&A ensures you can learn from different perspectives.
• The 22 Friday sessions are central to your learning experience and consist of a mix of (guest) lectures and case assignments.
• Online tools and teaching will assist you in the preparation of sessions, which includes literature study, knowlegde refreshment and case preparations.
• Besides the Friday sessions you should expect to spent on average 8 hours per week on session preparation, self-study and assignments.
• You will be tested and graded on the basis of group and individual cases and written exams.
• The closing assignment is an individual case where valuation issues in an M&A setting play a central role and which you have to present and discuss in a simulated board room setting.

Accreditations

• This joint degree has been accredited by the NVAO and completion therefore results in a Master of Science degree
• The business school is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and PRME
• Recognised by the NiRV: graduates are eligible for the NiRV assessment for the Register Valuator

Contact

Dr. Nikolaj Bijleveld

T: (+31) 06 319 867 90
E: info-ma-valuation rug.nl

For general information or questions about the UG, you can visit the UG contact page.

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