M&A Curriculum · Digital credential
M&A Fundamentals Badge
One verifiable credential for the complete one-semester curriculum - documenting what you learned, how you were assessed and what you demonstrated.
9
INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
8
PRACTITIONER-LED SESSIONS
2
Assessments
1
Semester
A credential with substance
More than a certificate of attendance.
Digital badges make learning outcomes precise and verifiable. The M&A Fundamentals Badge records the curriculum content, assessment format, performance criteria and issuing organisation in a shareable digital format.
What the badge proves
You completed a structured learning journey across the transaction lifecycle and demonstrated applied M&A knowledge in assessed individual and group work
Documented competencies
A foundation for the full deal lifecycle.
The unified badge replaces the former two-part structure and covers all eight connected workshops within one semester.
01 / STRATEGY
Process, markets & targeting
Understand deal rationales, participants, transaction phases, screening criteria and target selection.
02 / FINANCE
Accounting & valuation
Work with quality of earnings, net debt, working capital, equity bridges, DCF and multiples
03 / EXECUTION
Due Diligence & deal structure
Prioritise due diligence findings, understand data-room logic and interpret key SPA, tax and regulatory mechanics
04 / VALUE
Communication & integration
Build an equity story, present recommendations and connect signing decisions with PMI and value creation.
Requirements to earn the badge
Participation and demonstrated performance.
The badge is awarded only when all requirements have been met.
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01
Join the mandatory kick-off
Complete onboarding, programme orientation and join the networking session.
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02
Attend at least 70%
Participate live in at least six of the eight workshops. Missed sessions cannot be replaced by recordings.
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03
Pass both assignments
Complete the individual financial-mechanics task and the assessed group equity-story presentation.
Assessment model
Clear, practical and transparent.
Both assignments are assessed pass/fail. You receive feedback and may revise each assignment once if the first submission does not yet meet the standard.
Assignment 1 · Individual
Assess Net Debt & Working Capital
Working individually on a realistic acquisition case, you will review a target company’s balance sheet and selected FDD findings. You will identify and justify relevant cash, debt-like and working-capital items, consider their potential transaction impact, and summarise your conclusions in a net-debt bridge.
Individual work · Net-debt bridge · Approximately 3–5 hours · One resubmission
Assignment 2 · Group
Develop an Equity Story
Working in a small group, you will analyse odifferent transaction scenarios. Based on the case information, you will develop and present an evidence-based equity story that highlights the company’s strengths and opportunities while also addressing relevant challenges and risks.
Following the workshop, your group will refine the initial draft into an investor-ready presentation of no more than two PowerPoint slides. The final version is submitted within two weeks.
Group work · Live presentation · Maximum two slides · One resubmission
#mandaconnect membership required
Earn the badge by doing the work.
New applicants first join #mandaconnect for one year at the student rate of €49 and then return to submit their separate Curriculum application. Membership does not guarantee admission and does not renew automatically. If admitted, there are no additional fees for participating in the Curriculum.