Mergers and Acquisitions for MSPs
- On-Demand Learning
- Course Code: 5W31
This class will help you:
- Understanding the Strategic Purpose of M&A
- Learning Valuation Strategies and Techniques
- Understanding the Sale Process and Framework
- Learn how to buy a business with little or no money down
- How to identify acquisitions that are the “right fit” for you
What you get
- On-Demand Learning
- Handouts & Resources
- Full Lifetime Access
- Automatic updates to course content
- Access to Instructor
- Last taught live: Feb 11, 2025
Class Description
The MSP Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) course is designed to provide a deep understanding of the strategies, processes, and tools essential for successfully navigating M&A transactions. Whether you’re interested in buying or selling, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to approach M&A deals with confidence and precision.
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the entire deal process, from identifying strategic opportunities to executing and integrating transactions. Designed with a practical focus, the course includes real-world case studies, financial analysis exercises, and tools to help participants gain hands-on experience. By the end of the course, you will not only understand the theory behind M&A but also have the practical skills to contribute effectively to deal-making teams or corporate growth strategies.
Whether you aim to buy or sell your business one day, this course is your gateway to mastering the art and science of M&A.
What You Will Learn
1. Strategic Insights into M&A
Participants will explore the strategic rationale behind M&A, understanding why companies pursue mergers or acquisitions to achieve growth, diversification, or market expansion. You will learn to identify value-creating opportunities while recognizing the risks and pitfalls that can lead to unsuccessful deals. Through real-world examples, you’ll gain insights into how successful transactions are structured and executed to align with corporate objectives.
2. Mastery of Financial Valuation Techniques
The course emphasizes the financial foundation of M&A, teaching you how to apply key valuation methods to see what your business is worth. Additionally, you will learn how to identify and quantify synergies—both cost and revenue-based—that drive deal value. This knowledge will enable you to assess whether a deal is financially sound and sustainable.
3. Understanding Legal, Regulatory Frameworks and the Process
M&A transactions often involve complex legal and regulatory considerations. This course provides an understanding of critical aspects such as antitrust laws, international compliance, and the documentation required for transactions, including letters of intent (LOIs), sale and purchase agreements (SPAs), and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). You’ll also learn how to manage ethical challenges and ensure transparency throughout the deal process.
4. Conducting Due Diligence and Negotiating Deals
One of the most crucial components of M&A is due diligence. You will learn how to conduct comprehensive financial, operational, and legal analyses to identify potential red flags and mitigate risks. The course also covers negotiation strategies, exploring how deals are structured, priced, and finalized to meet the interests of all stakeholders.
5. Post-Merger Integration and Value Creation
The ultimate success of an M&A deal depends on effective integration. This course provides practical guidance on how to merge operations, align cultures, and realize synergies while managing risks and resistance to change. You will also learn to evaluate post-merger performance, track key metrics, and ensure long-term value creation for all parties involved.
Bonus Information: Here’s a recording interview with Coach James Kernan on the topic of Mergers and Acquisitions for IT Service Providers: https://smbcommunitypodcast.com/2024/12/mergers-acquisitions-when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-sell/ (Opens to a new tab).
🙂
Your Instructor
James Kernan

Course Outline
Module 1 | Module 1: Class Information | |
---|---|---|
Unit 1 | Introduction - Preview | |
Unit 2 | Live Class Information - Preview | |
Module 2 | Module 2: Class Content | |
Unit 1 | Introduction to Mergers and Acquisitions | |
Unit 2 | Valuation and Financial Analysis | |
Unit 3 | Legal and Regulatory Aspects of M&A | |
Unit 4 | How to Avoid “Ghosts in the Closet” – Due Diligence and Negotiation Process | |
Unit 5 | Post-Merger Integration and Value Creation | |
Unit 6 | Next Steps . . . |
Certifications
All classes help you work toward a Specialist Certification as either a Core or Elective class for a particular pathway.
You can become a Certified Professional by taking just one class and passing the associated exam.
You can become a Certified Specialist by taking 5 classes and exams that apply to a single pathway.
This class fulfills requirements for these Specialist Certification Pathways:
How it works
IT Service Provider is intentionally set up to give busy IT Business owners access to focused, high-quality education right when you need it most.
All classes are available on-demand, with the most recent live class recordings available immediately upon registration.
Most classes are taught live every 12-18 months. Instructors take care to update content, slides, and handouts to reflect changes in the industry.
Good news: Once you register, you’ll have lifetime access which means you can attend the new live class and review the newest recordings for life.
Log in or create a new account
Logging in before you register helps make sure you don’t accidentally pay twice!
Register for this class
If it’s your first time, welcome! Add this class to your cart and go through the checkout. You’ll be added to the live Zoom portion automatically. Handouts are available now (or shortly) inside the class units.
If you’re a returning student to this class and just need to register for the new Zoom link, head to Module 1, Unit 2.
See Class Outline below.
Add this class to your calendar
Check your email for the Zoom Confirmation. You should receive reminders ahead of each Unit, but we always recommend you add the class to your calendar. Remember, it’s 5 consecutive Tuesdays from 9 – 10am Pacific.
Revisit the class as needed
You’ll have perpetual access to the class recordings, transcripts, and handouts. And, next time it’s taught live, you’ll be able to join the Zoom sessions and access the new content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I want to become a Certified Specialist. How do I declare a Specialist Pathway?
In your Dashboard, go to “My Pathways” and you choose your pathway there. Declaring your pathway lets you easily track your progress, and it’s free!
I registered for this class years ago – can I attend the new live sessions?
Yes – you’re welcome and encouraged to join live sessions whenever it’s taught again.
To get the Zoom information, make sure you’re logged in and head to Module 1, Unit 2: Live Class Information – see Class Outline above. By the way: you’ll automatically have access to the new recordings and handouts by visiting any unit in Module 2.
I lost the Zoom link for the live portion, where is it?
Log in, and then head to Module 1, Unit 2: Live Class Information.
Where are the recordings?
Same place as the handouts – make sure you’re logged in and head to Module 2.
Please allow 24 hours for the recordings to be posted after the live class.
I’m already registered. Where are the handouts?
Handouts are inside each unit of Module 2.
Make sure you’re logged in and check out the Course Outline above.
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