M&A practitioners are now all in agreement that the post-merger integration (PMI) phase accounts for a significant proportion of the value generated by an M&A transaction.

The deals that fail to generate long-term value are very often that fail to invest enough time and energy into the integration phase. 

Despite this, courses in the area of PMI have been relatively slow to emerge, with the topic usually being reduced to a module within a larger mergers and acquisitions course.

That finally seems to be changing, with several courses with a focus on the discipline now being taught to professionals undertaking transactions.

We at DealRoom help dozens of companies overcome M&A integration challenges and below, we look at five of the best courses that can help you:

1. IMAA Certified Post Merger Integration Specialist (CPMI)

Format: On-site and/or online

Cost: $2,990 (online); $4,990 (on-site).

Course Details: Here.

The Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances specializes in M&A courses, and is recommended by the ACCA, so attendees know that they’ll receive academic rigor.

Their PMI course is composed of 30 hours of teaching, split into four easy-to-digest modules. Attendees must at least hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (in line with ACCA policy).

Upon completion of the course, attendees receive the CPMI Charter and designation.

The course itself looks at integrations in chronological fashion, beginning with pre-planning, and moving onto addressing synergies and change management, before finishing with integration of different business functions (marketing and sales, finance, HR, etc.).

The thorough nature of the course makes it a popular choice among senior management and financial professionals from across the globe.

2. M&A Integration Masterclass by Fifth Chrome

Format: Online

Cost: from $97 to $397

Course Details: Here.

The M&A Integration Masterclass by Fifth Chrome is a 6-part self-paced, online program designed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully manage M&A integrations. The program is aimed at senior executives, managers, and advisors who are involved in M&A deals and want to improve their integration capabilities.

The 6-part integration Masterclass covers strategic alignment, depth of management objectives, target operating model, transformation including change management, culture and communication, Integration management office, and functional workstream calibration.

Each module includes video lessons, case studies, and interactive exercises, and select access to M&A expert. Participants will also have the opportunity to work on a real-world M&A integration case study, applying the knowledge and tools they've learned throughout the program. By the end of the Masterclass, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the M&A integration process and the skills necessary to lead successful integrations.T

he program is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to complete the coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition, Fifth Chrome offers a money-back guarantee for participants who are not satisfied with the program.

3. M&A Leadership Council: The Art of M&A for Integration Leaders

Format: On-site and/or online

Cost: $1,750 (online); $4,440 (on-site).

Course Details: Here.

Throughout this highly interactive course, real-world issues that derail integrations are tackled, and together you arrive at solutions to overcome the obstacles, challenges, and risks that destroy deal value.

Each session of the program provides hands-on exercises and team assignments guided by M&A practitioners with years of experience serving in pre- and post-merger leadership roles.

Who should attend includes: Corporate Development leaders, IMO / Enterprise Integration leaders, and functional leaders dedicated to M&A

There will be brief, topical front-of-room instructions, methods and best practices, case studies, break out exercises, spotlights, lightning rounds, structured networking, panel discussions, and more.

4. M&A Science Integration Courses

Format: Online

Cost: $157/month (rolling); $150/month (annual, paid in advance).

Course Details: Here.

Like the IMAA, M&A Science is an online academy completely devoted to mastering mergers and acquisitions.

The academy’s name stems from the insight that M&A is far more of a science than many practitioners claim, and thus espouses a scientific approach wherever possible - avoiding the trap of many professors in this area, who have taken to the lazy assumption that ‘M&A is part art and part science.’ 

Tuition is delivered through videos, all presented by experienced M&A professionals.

Students can access these videos at their leisure. There are a range of courses that delve deeper into complex aspects of integration, such as the importance of being agile in integration, accessing opportunities to leverage acquired talent, and change management.

Subscribers that finish the course are awarded with a certificate of completion.

5. The Merger Training Institute Post Merger Integration Training Course

Format: Online or in-person.

Cost: $1,200 (webinar); $2,250 (London, Singapore or Dubai, in-person).

Course Details: Here.

The Post Merger Integration training course offered by the Merger Training Institute is a two-day course that claims to teach a proven best-practice approach to PMI.

The training emphasizes “speedy and controlled” in the process that it teaches students, while also stressing the importance of minimizing operational risk.

Teachers on the course are a selection of experienced M&A professionals, usually drawn from big 4 accounting firms.

Course participants will learn about subjects such as:

• how to deliver the transaction synergies in full,
• how to avoid post-merger clashes of culture between management,
• deciding on the most suitable level of integration,
• how to design an integration program from start to finish,
• understanding why the first 100 days are crucial,
• and perhaps most importantly, minimizing the chances of a post-merger dip in performance.

6. Pritchett LP: Merger Integration Workshops

Format: In-person.

Cost: $7,495.

Course Details: Here.

The Pritchett LP Merger Integration Workshops are, as the name indicates, workshops rather than courses.

This means that attendance is required at their offices. Like M&A Science, Pratt LP provides teachings on the gamut of M&A subjects, and their integration course is undoubtedly one of the best out there (although expensive at nearly $8,000).

In total, Pitchett claims to have had over 30,000 course attendees.

The course itself sets out fifteen objectives, ranging from a step-by-step, scalable integration planning methodology and differentiating the ‘must haves’ from the ‘nice to haves’ to developing a viable cultural integration plan and implementing talent retention best practices.

In addition, all attendees will receive copies of all of the best-selling books written by Pritchett consultants - some 9 titles, with a vast number of combined sales.

7. Global PMI Partners: Global Integration Training

Format: Online.

Cost: $300.

Course Details: Here.

Global PMI Partners is another educational company whose entire focus is M&A best practice.

As such, the courses are generally to a good standard, but aimed at individuals looking for primers rather than going in-depth.

Courses are also given on an ad-hoc basis, so anybody interested in the integration course (or any of the others on its curriculum) should check the website regularly for course updates.

As the preamble states, the company’s integration courses offer a good primer spread across three lessons of two hours each.

The course covers five topics in relative brevity:

• the breadth of considerations,
• the resources,
• communications,
• governance, and process involved for transition success,
• the prerequisite knowledge for stakeholders and participants,
• technology impact and analysis,
• and finally, developing a framework for rapid analysis, quantification, and prioritization to facilitate decision making

Wrap Up

Now that you've learned about the best PMI courses out there, check out our list of Top 10 M&A courses & certifications to accelerate your career